Long-Term Impact of Childhood Obesity on Employment and Educational Outcomes Revealed by Swedish Study

A recent study presented at the European Congress on Obesity highlights that children with obesity face significant challenges in their future employment and educational pathways. The research examined the long-term labor market outcomes of individuals who experienced obesity in childhood, revealing that they are less likely to be engaged in work or studies in their mid-20s compared to their peers. Additionally, they are more prone to long-term sick leave, which substantially affects their ability to participate in the workforce.

The Swedish study, conducted by Dr. Emilia Hagman and colleagues at the Karolinska Institutet, analyzed data from the Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register and various national welfare databases. It involved 3,514 individuals with childhood obesity and 16,809 controls from the general population, matched by sex, birth year, and residential area, all born between 1978 and 1996.

Findings indicated that at age 25, just 59% of those who had childhood obesity were either working or studying, compared to 68% of the broader population. While rates of parental leave and low-paid employment were similar between groups, the incidence of long-term sick leave was notably higher among those with childhood obesity. Specifically, 8.1% of this group were out of work due to health issues, versus only 2.3% in the control group, with individuals having severe obesity (class 3) being at even higher risk.

The study suggests that the severity of obesity during childhood correlates strongly with adverse labor market outcomes. Dr. Hagman pointed out that these results emphasize the importance of early intervention. Although weight discrimination in the job market is a known issue, the research highlights that health-related factors, including psychiatric conditions like depression, may contribute to the increased sick leave among those with childhood obesity.

The authors advocate for increased awareness of the long-term consequences of childhood obesity, not only for physical health but also for economic participation. They emphasize that effective treatment during childhood could potentially reduce the risk of negative outcomes such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and early mortality, while also possibly improving future employment prospects. Further research is required to determine if early intervention can positively influence the educational and employment trajectory of affected children.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-childhood-obesity-term-consequences-employment.html