There is often a concern about the potential relationship between obesity and behavioral issues in children, but there have been few data with which to evaluate this issue. This month in The Journal, Bradley et al report on a study of over 1000 children longitudinally from two years of age until sixth grade. They found no consistent relationship between body mass index and behavior until school age. Beginning in first grade they found that being heavier was associated with anxiety, withdrawal, and somatic complaints. These findings should help pediatricians and parents understand when to be most vigilant for such symptoms in relation to overweight and work to intervene.
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