A study has revealed that children and adolescents addicted to 'food addiction,' who compulsively consume specific foods regardless of hunger, suffer from serious emotional and behavioral problems as well as obesity. This suggests that food addiction can have a severe impact on mental health beyond simple obesity, emphasizing the need for psychological approaches for children and adolescents.

Key Research Findings

High-Risk Group for Food Addiction:19.6% of the studied children and adolescents were in the high-risk group for food addiction.
The high-risk group showed higher obesity rates (BMI), lower self-esteem, and family function compared to the normal group.
Emotional and behavioral problems such as depression, anxiety, and aggression were also severe.
Correlation with Mental Health:Even after adjusting for obesity and parental rearing attitudes, the total problem behavior score and aggression were high, and academic performance tended to be low.
Childhood and adolescent obesity can continue into adulthood, negatively affecting physical health such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as mental health.

Expert Opinion

Park Hyun-young, Director of the National Institute of Health, emphasized, "Emotional and behavioral problems in obese children and adolescents can increase the tendency for food addiction. Therefore, careful understanding, evaluation, and intervention are necessary."
Implications of the Research Results

This study shows that food addiction in children and adolescents can be linked to serious mental health problems beyond simple eating habits. Therefore, an integrated approach that considers not only physical health but also mental health is necessary in managing childhood and adolescent obesity.

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