Impact of Degree of Obesity on Sleep, Quality of Life, and Depression in Youth

Abstract

Objective: Obese youth are more likely to report difficulties with sleep, depression, and quality of life (QOL). This study aims to characterize sleep problems, QOL, and symptoms of depression by degree of obesity.

Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted in a specialized obesity clinic. Obese youth and their caregivers (N = 150) were evaluated with the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire and Pediatric Quality of Life. Youth completed the Children's Depression Inventory. Regression models and correlations were calculated.

Results: Degree of obesity was predictive of increased sleep difficulties and decreased QOL scores. Children's Depression Inventory scores showed that children with more symptoms of depression had more sleep problems, and these were not associated with the degree of obesity. Adolescents with more difficulties sleeping also reported more symptoms of depression and lower QOL.

Conclusions: Degree of obesity negatively affected QOL and sleep variables. Patients with greater sleeping difficulties reported more symptoms of depression.

Keywords: Depression; pediatric obesity; quality of life; sleep.