Perfil Psicopatológico del niño Obeso con sobrepeso u obesidad en tratamiento de pérdida de peso

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the psychopathological profile of overweight/obese children in treatment for weight loss in a specialized pediatric unit, in comparison with a group of non-overweight/obese children. A sample of 89 children (9 to 16 years-old) was evaluated for the presence of the following psychological variables: depression, anxiety, self-esteem and body satis- faction. The sample consisted of 44 overweight/obese children undergoing weight loss treatment and 45 normal-weight children. Compared to the children with normal weight, the overweight/ obese children presented more body dissatisfaction, lower academic and body self-esteem, and higher levels of anxiety. The variable which best discriminated between the groups was body dis- satisfaction. The results support previous studies that have shown the presence of psychopathology in obese children, and the existence of differential psychopathological features.