Many studies have already discussed the effects of stress on weight gain, especially among women. A new study from the University of Florida (United States) shows that a state of stress caused in children by the divorce of their parents, makes them more prone to suffer from obesity adulthood.
A search for immediate gratification
Psychologists at Florida State University have studied how unpredictable experiences, such as violence, parental divorce, or moving, experienced during childhood affect weight. According to the results of this study published in the journal Proceedings of the national academy of sciences, divorce was the main trigger that caused obesity in young people when they reached adulthood.
“Having this kind of experience during childhood makes people aware that it is difficult to plan for the future and encourages them to live only in the present moment”, said Professor Jon Maner, lead author of the study. “Later in life, they focus on short-term rather than long-term goals and they seek immediate gratification, like those found in food.”.
In France, according to the latest OECD report, 15% of the adult population suffers from obesity. But the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development is hardly optimistic about the evolution of this scourge. She estimates that the obesity rate could reach 21% by 2030, bringing France closer to the United States.
Read also :
Obesity harms heart health from adolescence
Obesity kills 4 million people
