Study finds childhood experiences and environment among contributors to obesity

(Kobe University) - Research based on 5425 citizens’ responses to a questionnaire survey has illuminated that obesity causes are linked to various factors in addition to the individual’s current socioeconomic circumstances, including childhood experiences, particularly those of abuse.

The study was carried out by Project Professor Tamori Yoshikazu ( Division of Creative Health Promotion) et al.’s research group at the Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan.

Conventionally, there is a tendency to perceive individuals who are overweight as lacking the willpower to improve their lifestyle habits. However, the study has revealed that in women, obesity in adulthood is linked not only to factors such as social environment (for example, economic circumstances and education), but also to childhood experiences, in particular abuse.

This suggests that improving child welfare, such as by increasing abuse prevention measures, will also help to prevent obesity in adults.

According to the study, analysis of 5425 responses to a questionnaire survey given to 20,000 Kobe citizens revealed that in women, obesity was related to the individual’s social and economic background (for example, factors such as marital status, economic circumstances, educational background, and childhood experiences of abuse by a parent). The same connection was not found in results from male participants.

The study is the first in Japan to illuminate the connection between abuse during childhood and obesity in adulthood.