The objective of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of depression, behavioral problems and social skills in obese children, contrasting to children who are not obese. Ninety children, ages between 7 and 13, participated in this study; 60 were obese and 30 were not. Data was collected using the following methods: Identity Cards; Children's Depression Inventory and the Child Behavior Checklist. Data analysis was performed quantitatively, using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, with a significance level of 0.05. Results demonstrated a significant difference between obese and non-obese children, as regards the psychological variables studied. Based on a multivante analysis, depression and internal disorders distinguished obese children from those who were not obese. The data indicates, however, that there is a need for early intervention and a need to establish programs of prevention.
Depression; Childhood obesity; Behavioral problems
