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Séparation parentale et surcharge pondérale chez l'enfant et l'adolescent: discussion à partir d'une revue systématique de la littérature

par Bekkouch, Y.;Kacenelenbogen, Nadine
Référence Revue médicale de Bruxelles, 42, 5, page (378-395)
Publication Publié, 2021-09

Article révisé par les pairs

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Résumé :

Introduction: Obesity is increasing in children. The most documented risk factors are unbalanced diet, physical inactivity, and socio-economic factors such as poverty. Our hypothesis is the possibility that other factors, such as family breakdowns or conflicts, could be responsible for weight gain in children. The objective of this work is to examine the consequences of parental separation on the health of children and adolescents, particularly on their weight. Methodology: A methodical synthesis was carried out by consulting both the quaternary literature and other sources such as PubMed, The Lancet or Biomed Central. Taking into account some criteria, several search equations were used in order to obtain an adequate selection of articles. The selection was made successively based on title, abstract and content. The articles were then evaluated using appropriate evaluation grids. Results: Twenty-four articles were selected. The majority of studies originated from Nordic countries and USA. These studies show that children are more overweight when parents separate than when they live together. The number of siblings and the fact of separation before the child is born seem to influence weight gain. Discussion and conclusion: One of the main limitations of this work is that it was carried out by one person. On the other hand, work on this topic is relatively rare and in Europe only targets the Scandinavian countries. Despite its limitations, this study supports the hypothesis that parental separation may be at least an indicator of an increased risk of overweight in children. Thus, in addition to situations of precariousness and lack of education within families, in the event of separation we could be more attentive to the diet and lifestyle in general of the concerned children. Other studies, particularly prospective ones in other European countries, are essential to confirm these conclusions.