ABSTRACT

Depression, anxiety disorders, learning disability are common problems requiring pediatric care and found to be associated with obesity. Elevated and reduced levels of trace elements may be indicators of depression. Deficiencies or toxicities of some elements may also cause weight gain leading obesity, which is a health problem increasing worldwide particularly among children and adolescents. In this review, the physical and mental health consequences of pediatric and adolescent obesity will be evaluated from the trace elements point of view. Better understanding of the participation of trace elements in the metabolic pathways related to neurophysiological processes, their interactions and cumulative effects will help to improve health and also the effects of treatment.