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Overweight and obesity in early childhood: A systematic review of individual, family, and peer risk factors

Nadja Frate, Brigitte Jenull, Heather M. Foran

Purpose: The prevalence of children who are overweight or obese has been increasing worldwide. While a variety of biological as well as sociodemographic correlates have been identified and reviewed, a systematic review of psychosocial factors, particularly among preschool aged children, is lacking. This systematic review synthesizes the research on individual, family and peer risk factors for overweight and obesity in preschool aged children. Method: A systematic review of the recent literature on psychosocial factors and overweight or rather obesity in the early stages of childhood was conducted. Results: A total of 27 studies from 2011-2016 were identified that examined individual, family and social risk factors for obesity in children. Results indicate the importance of eating regulation as well as family factors in understanding early childhood risk for obesity. There was mixed support for associations between behavioral and emotional symptoms and obesity among this age group. For other risk factors examined, too few studies exist to be able to make strong conclusions about their relevance for understanding preschool obesity risk. Conclusions: Psychosocial factors are associated with overweight and obesity among preschool aged children. However, this review also highlights the dearth of research on several potentially important risk factors for childhood obesity in this age group (such as family violence, parental and peer relationships). Longitudinal studies, which examine multiple risk factors simultaneously over this important developmental period, are sorely needed.