DEFINITION OF RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CHILD ABUSE AND OBESITY

Abuse significantly affects the behavior patterns of developing children. Both physical and emotional
abuse can lead to unhealthy habits. Although some children and adolescents are able to look
to friends or family for assistance, others seek to control themselves through extreme dieting or
obsession with food [8]. In a recent review article, Gustafson and Sarwer [18] found that childhood
sexual abuse may lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders. Few studies
have concentrated on the relationship between sexual abuse and pediatric obesity.
Childhood sexual abuse has been linked to adult weight problems that may be a result of bingeeating
disorders (BED). Williamson et al. [19] investigated the associations between self-reported
abuse in childhood and adult body weight and risk of obesity. In those who experienced physical
and verbal abuse, body weight and obesity were strongly related. Moreover, as the severity of the
abuse increased, so did the risk for obesity. Thus, targeting or preventing abuse during childhood
may potentially decrease the progression of obesity into adulthood.
Grilo and Masheb [20] examined the relationship of maltreatment and BED in 145 diagnosed
adults. Subjects were administered a childhood trauma questionnaire [20] to assess emotional,
physical, and sexual abuse as well as emotional and physical neglect. A total of 83% reported some
form of maltreatment during childhood, and the results did not differ by gender or current obesity
status. Emotional abuse was the only form of maltreatment that was significantly associated with
psychological variables such as greater body dissatisfaction, higher depression, and lower selfesteem.
The findings of Grilo and Masheb were consistent with previous studies. Childhood
maltreatment is associated with psychological distress in general. However, whether there is a
specific association with weight or eating disorder symptomatology in children is unknown.