Overeating A Sign Of Early Mental Health Problems Among Preschooler Girls

Key Takeaways

Preschoolers who regularly eat too much are showing signs of early emotional problemsGirls who overate at a young age were more likely to develop anxiety, impulsivity and hyperactivity as teenagersThe same association was not found with boys, and picky eaters had no higher risk of mental health problems

MONDAY, Oct. 6, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Preschoolers who regularly overeat are likely swallowing their emotions as well, a new study says.

Girls who overeat as preschoolers are more likely to develop anxiety , impulsivity and hyperactivity when they grow into teenagers, researchers reported in the journal BMC Pediatrics .

The results indicate that children’s eating patterns could be early signs of mental health challenges, researchers said.

“Occasional overeating is n