Associations Between Weight Status, Peer Victimization, and Mental Health in Clinically Referred Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION

To examine peer victimization, internalizing symptoms, and psychiatric disorders in underweight and obese clinically referred youth versus normal-weight peers.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 161 children aged 7-17 (51 underweight, 57 normal-weight, 53 obese). Victimization was measured using the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire, depressive and anxiety symptoms with the CDI and STAI-C trait, and psychiatric diagnoses with the K-SADS-PL.

RESULTS

Peer victimization and anxiety disorders were higher in underweight and obese than normal-weight children (p < .001 and p = .005, respectively). Trait anxiety symptoms were elevated in both groups (p < .001), whereas depressive symptoms did not differ. Victimized youth had higher rates of anxiety (p = .009) and depressive disorders (p = .001). In adjusted models, underweight predicted anxiety disorder (OR 5.03, p = .010), underweight (OR 4.19, p = .003) and obesity (OR 9.00, p < .001) predicted victimization, and victimization predicted depressive disorder (OR 3.03, p = .016).

DISCUSSION: Weight extremes in clinically referred children are linked to peer victimization and internalizing problems, supporting routine psychosocial screening in clinical practice.