Childhood experiences direct towards obesity

A new study from Florida State University has found that people who experience unpredictable childhoods face a higher risk of becoming obese as adults. Past research has shown a link between low socioeconomic status and obesity; however the reason behind it has often been overlooked. One theory suggests that it is due to stressors leading to a wide variety of negative outcomes. This study hypothesised with a perspective called ‘Life History Theory’, which says that people have a limited amount of reproductive energy in life and the way they use that energy is influenced by the structure that they experience during their childhoods.

The researchers go on to explain that many children who experience unpredictable childhood issues such as divorce, crime or frequent moves are more likely to live in the moment and make short term decisions, whilst not planning for the future appropriately. In contrast, predictable childhoods teach that planning for the future is good and as adults these children tend to form long-term goals. The authors admit that their research is not definitive and does not provide a clear answer for the problem of obesity; however they explain that past research has only vaguely encouraged families to reduce stressors without any guidance. This study may provide some ideas on how to help these families by creating structure and predictability for children.