There as been much speculation as to whether obesity in young girls is a risk factor for depression later in life. Investigators have analyzed national data from over 5000 young women at ages 13-17 and again at ages 19-25. They found a 1.97 increase in depression risk among those who were consistently obese, and a 2.10 increase in those who became obese between the two points of the study. Stressful events did not alter these results.
PositiveTip: Parents should teach their young girls a positive and balanced attitude about weight, and provide them good examples of healthy eating and physical activity.