The Relationship Between Body Posture and Psychophysical Functioning in Children with Obesity: A Narrative Literature Review and Future Research Perspective Related to Preliminary Research Concept

Childhood obesity is a growing global health problem with significant biomechanical and psychosocial consequences. While many studies have examined these domains separately, few integrate postural abnormalities, psychophysical functioning, and lifestyle factors within a single framework. This narrative review synthesises the literature published between 2005 and 2025 to summarise current evidence and identify research gaps. The findings indicate that overweight and obesity increase the risk of musculoskeletal deviations such as genu valgum, flat feet, and increased lumbar lordosis, as well as altered gait biomechanics and reduced motor competence. Excess body weight is also associated with lower self-esteem, negative body image, depressive symptoms, and reduced health-related quality of life in children and adolescents. These outcomes appear to be influenced by modifiable lifestyle factors, including parental health behaviours, sleep patterns, and screen time, although reported associations remain inconsistent. Notably, few studies address biomechanical, psychological, and environmental factors simultaneously, which limits the understanding of their interactions. To address this gap, a prospective observational study of 250-300 children aged 7-17 years is proposed. The study will combine objective postural assessments, validated psychometric tools, and lifestyle analyses at baseline and after a 12-14-month follow-up. This integrated approach aims to identify postural compensation patterns, psychosocial risk trajectories, and modifiable behavioural predictors associated with childhood obesity, supporting the development of early preventive and interdisciplinary interventions.