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Study Links Preschool Overeating in Girls to Anxiety

9/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

McGill University tracked over 2,000 Quebec children to study early overeating and adolescent mental health.
Among girls, preschool overeating linked to higher anxiety, impulsivity, and hyperactivity by age 15; no such link for boys.
The study shows patterns: 60% never overate, 14% began early, 26% started later; picky eating affected one-third but did not relate to mental health.

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Story summary

McGill University tracked over 2,000 Quebec children to study early overeating and adolescent mental health.
Among girls, preschool overeating linked to higher anxiety, impulsivity, and hyperactivity by age 15; no such link for boys.
The study shows patterns: 60% never overate, 14% began early, 26% started later; picky eating affected one-third but did not relate to mental health.