Recent research suggests that overweight children and adolescents with severe food addiction symptoms struggle more with emotional regulation and behavior control. (Image courtesy of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency)
SEOUL, March 5 (Korea Bizwire) — Recent research suggests that overweight children and adolescents with severe food addiction symptoms struggle more with emotional regulation and behavior control.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on March 4 that a research team led by Park Kyung-hee from Hallym University’s Department of Family Medicine recently published these findings in the international journal Obesity Research & Clinical Practice. The study was supported by the National Institute of Health.
The research team analyzed the connection between food addiction and emotional and behavioral problems in 224 overweight or obese children and adolescents (average age 11.4 years) whose body mass index (BMI) percentile was 85 or higher, placing them in the top 15% of BMI rankings.
Food addiction refers to the phenomenon of feeling strong cravings for certain foods, leading to excessive consumption beyond necessity.
According to the results, 44 participants (19.6%) were classified as high-risk for food addiction. The high-risk group exhibited an average of 4.05 food addiction symptoms, compared to 1.31 symptoms in the normal group.
Children in the high-risk food addiction group showed higher levels of obesity, lower self-esteem, and diminished family function, including reduced emotional exchange and support among family members, compared to those in the normal group.
Additionally, the research revealed that as food addiction symptoms increased, emotional issues such as anxiety and depression worsened, impulsive behavioral problems intensified, and academic performance scores declined.
“The rising prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity can continue into adulthood, negatively impacting not only physical health with conditions like cardiovascular disease but also mental health,” the research team stated. “Understanding food addiction can provide crucial assistance in preventing and treating obesity and psychological difficulties in children and adolescents.”
Park Hyun-young, director of the National Institute of Health, emphasized, “Food addiction is not simply a dietary habit but a significant factor affecting obesity and mental health. Careful understanding and assessment of food addiction are necessary.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
