Child sexual abuse as an etiological factor of overweight and eating disorders - Considerations for primary health care providers

Abstract

Despite the recognition of the clinical importance of child sexual abuse, primary health care providers are often not adequately prepared to perform medical evaluations and diagnose child sexual maltreatment. Paper presents basic symptoms and signs of CSA, which may suggest the need for further patient's diagnosis and referral. Since the great majority of sexually abused children do not have any abnormal physical findings, special attention is paid to the silent warning signs of CSA, such as changes in attitude towards own body and eating habits. Numerous studies suggest that victims of CSA may develop obesity or eating disorders of various forms and intensities.