Physician-Diagnosed Obesity in German 6- to 14-Year-Olds

Abstract

Objective: This study analyses whether children with obesity have anincreased risk of internalising disorders, externalising disorders, andsleep disorders compared to children without physician-diagnosedobesity. Method: The study included 156,948 children aged between 6 and14 years. We analysed data of a German national health insurance companyconcerning the rates of the physician-diagnosed ICD-10 disorders ofobesity and psychiatric disorders. Results: Greater odds forexternalising disorders (odds ratio (OR) = 1.64), internalisingdisorders (OR = 2.00), sleep disorders (OR = 1.87), and a stay inhospital (OR = 1.44) were found among children with physician-diagnosedobesity compared to children without physician-diagnosed obesity. Theincreased ORs were higher in girls with obesity compared to boys withobesity for externalising disorders (OR = 1.91 vs. 1.52) andinternalising disorders (especially anxiety, OR = 2.15 vs. 1.43).According to age group, the increased OR was highest in youngadolescents (12- to 14-year-olds) with obesity compared to youngerchildren with obesity for internalising disorders (especially anxiety,OR = 2.32 vs. 1.59 and 1.43). Conclusion: For obesity prevention andobesity intervention, it is important to understand comorbid healthproblems as well as potential interindividual influence factors (such asgender or age), both of which should be a focus in respectiveprogrammes.