The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Obesity in Mental Health Patients: New Research Findings
Childhood trauma, known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), plays a significant role in obesity among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), according to new research. People with SMI are almost twice as likely to be obese compared to those without a diagnosis, and they also have a higher risk of obesity-related illnesses. While medications used to treat mental illness are often blamed for weight gain, psychological factors, particularly childhood trauma, also contribute. Trauma can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as emotional eating, which provides temporary relief from negative emotions but can result in weight gain and obesity. Policymakers and mental health professionals need to consider the impact of childhood trauma on obesity in this population and adopt a trauma-informed approach to care.
