The Saudi Journal of Medical Insights

Childhood obesity and internalizing disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, represent two pressing public health
concerns with an increasingly recognized bidirectional relationship. This comprehensive review synthesizes current
evidence to examine the complex interplay between anxiety-depression levels and obesity in children and adolescents. It
explores the epidemiological landscape of both conditions and delves into the multifaceted biopsychosocial factors that
underpin their comorbidity. The analysis encompasses the shared physiological pathways, such as chronic inflammation
and HPA axis dysregulation, and the critical psychological and social mechanisms, including weight stigma, body
dissatisfaction, bullying, and family dynamics. Furthermore, the review investigates the moderating role of socioeconomic
status and family environment, highlighting them as common determinants influencing both physical and mental health
outcomes. By integrating findings from epidemiological, clinical, and psychosocial research, this paper elucidates the
vicious cycle wherein obesity exacerbates mental health symptoms, and poor mental health, in turn, promotes obesogenic
behaviors. The conclusion underscores the necessity for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches in clinical practice that
simultaneously address physical and psychological