The role of childhood traumas in adult obesity

Abstract

Objective: Obesity is a common public health problem which is a cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Genetic and environmental factors play a role in the etiology. In this study, the role of childhood traumas in adult obesity was examined. Methods: The study group consisted of 109 (76 female, 33 male) participants, 78 patients and 31 healthy volunteers. BMI and blood pressures were recorded. FBG(fasting blood glucose), creatinine, ALT, AST, LDL, HDL, triglyceride, total cholesterol, fasting insulin were studied. Insulin resistance was evaluated by HOMA-IR.CTQ was applied to all subjects of the patient and control group. Results: Emotional neglect score was significantly higher in the patient group (p=0.009). There was no significant difference in terms of other components. Physical neglect score was significantly higher in patients with BMI 35.0-39.9 kg/m2 (p=0.030).There was a significant positive correlation between total CTQ, physical and emotional neglect score and insulin and HOMA-IR. Conclusion: Emotional neglect score in obese patients and physical neglect score in stage 2 obese patients were significantly higher, suggesting that childhood traumas may have a role in the etiology of adult obesity. Further and large-scale studies are needed to enlighten all aspects of the subject.