Further Evidence of an Association between Psychosocial Problems and Increase in Relative Weight between 7 and 10 Years of Age

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Abstract
A sample of 5,399 Swedish schoolchildren was subdivided into five groups according to the change in relative weight between the ages of 7 and 10 years and the relative weight attained at 10 years. Information on indicators of psychosocial problems was obtained by teacher interviews. There was a significant variation between groups with regard to the prevalence of behavioral and learning problems, and in girls also concerning social problems. The highest prevalence of problems was consistently found in the group with a rapid gain in relative weight. The association was stronger for serious than for mild problems. A causal mechanism is assumed to be the most probable explanation. The implications with respect to research and clinical practice are discussed.