Teenage obesity: 6 ways weight gain affects the brain and emotional health

How to prevent obesity in teenagers: Encouraging regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or outdoor play, helps children stay active without feeling pressured (Image: Canva)

For years, childhood obesity has been discussed in the context of diabetes, heart health, and joint pain. But multiple research reveal it’s doing much more than harming the body; it’s rewiring the developing teenage brain. Adolescence is a critical period of mental, emotional, and neurological growth. When it comes with excess weight, it can deeply affect not just how teens feel, but how they think and cope with life’s challenges.

Obesity in teens doesn’t just weigh down their bodies; it shapes their minds. Neuroimaging studies now show clear differences in the brains of adolescents with obesity, particularly in grey matter and white matter essential for decision-making, memory, and emotional control. “These brain changes translate to real-life struggles like poor impulse control, higher anxiety, and even depression,” says Umashakthy G, Senior Dietician, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, Chennai.

Of hormones and inflammation:

Teenagers with obesity often experience hormonal imbalances involving insulin and leptin, both of which are crucial for brain signalling. “Meanwhile, chronic low-grade inflammation caused by excess body fat may disrupt neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood. This hormonal disturbance can cloud thinking, affect sleep, and lead to persistent low moods or irritability, all of which make it harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” says Umashakthy G.

Also read | Rising childhood obesity in India: Effective tips to prevent and manage it

Here are 6 ways obesity impacts teenage brain and emotional health:

• Impaired decision-making: Brain regions tied to executive function become less active, making it harder for teens to resist temptations or plan ahead.

• Increased risk of depression: Chemical imbalances and inflammation disrupt mood-regulating systems, often leading to long-term emotional struggles.

• Memory issues: Obesity-related changes in the hippocampus, the memory centre of the brain, can reduce cognitive performance in school.

• Heightened stress response: Teens with obesity may find it harder to manage stress, as their brains react more strongly to pressure and fear.

• Social isolation and stigma: Bullying and body shaming fuel anxiety and self-doubt, further detaching teens from healthy social environments.

• Disrupted sleep and attention: Sleep apnoea, common in teens with obesity, reduces focus and energy levels during the day, affecting academic success.

“Encouraging regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or outdoor play, helps children stay active without feeling pressured. Promoting healthy eating habits at home, like enjoying home-cooked meals, eating more fruits and vegetables, and avoiding excessive processed foods, can make a big difference,” says Umashakthy G.

Moreover, limiting screen time and encouraging hobbies that don't involve sitting for long periods also helps. Equally important is supporting young people's mental and emotional wellbeing, promoting a positive body image, and creating a non-judgemental environment where they feel heard and valued.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.