Association Between Childhood Maltreatment and Weight Status in Young People: Considerations of Inhibitory Control and Depression

Hung, Yu (2025) Association Between Childhood Maltreatment and Weight Status in Young People: Considerations of Inhibitory Control and Depression. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Background: Childhood maltreatment is linked to obesity in adulthood, however, evidence of this association in children and adolescents remained mixed. The association may vary by maltreatment type and gender or be mediated by factors such as depressive symptoms and inhibitory control. Clarifying this relationship in youth is crucial for early identification and intervention.

Methods: This portfolio comprises two interconnected studies. The first is a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the strength of association between childhood maltreatment and obesity in individuals aged 25 and under. The second is an empirical cross-sectional study exploring this association in a United Kingdom community sample, and the potential mediating roles of inhibitory control and depressive symptoms.

Results: The meta-analysis found that the association between maltreatment and obesity varied by subtypes, with significant associations found for sexual abuse and combined neglect. The empirical study found a general positive correlation between combined maltreatment and BMI in adolescents and young adults. Childhood maltreatment did not predict BMI when controlling for depressive symptoms in both age groups. Neither depressive symptoms nor inhibitory control mediated the relationship. Socioeconomic status, however, was a significant predictor of BMI in young adults.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of multidimensional approaches in understanding the relationship between childhood maltreatment and weight outcomes in research and clinical work.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	04 Nov 2025 10:20
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2025 10:20
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/100884
DOI:

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