Obesity treatment programmes for teens in Australia also show help to depression, anxiety says study

Examining a total of 44 studies, dietitian and lead author of the findings Hiba Jebeile from the University of Sydney told Xinhua that without professional help, self-induced dieting can sometimes be damaging.

Although teenagers who put themselves on diets are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety, new Australian research on Tuesday revealed that under a professionally administered obesity treatment programme, symptoms of mental illness are more likely to decrease. Examining a total of 44 studies, dietitian and lead author of the findings Hiba Jebeile from the University of Sydney told Xinhua that without professional help, self-induced dieting can sometimes be damaging. “Our review looked at all studies that had conducted obesity treatment programmes in children and adolescents and also measured depression or anxiety at the beginning of the intervention, at completion or at follow-up,” she said. “We found that there was a small reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety in children and adolescents and we think that the structure and support provided in a professionally run programme is one of the reasons we have seen this improvement,” she said.

With one in four young people in Australia now either overweight or obese, Jebeile said it’s important that children and adolescents who are concerned about their weight, don’t try and diet on their own.

“We suggest they talk to their general practitioner (doctor) or a dietitian experienced in working with young people who can provide them with advice on the type of changes that might be beneficial for them,” Jebeile said.