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Objective: Several studies have shown that maladaptive eating behaviors in childhood predict greater risk for eating disorders in adolescence. Whether or not maladaptive eating behaviors could represent developmental risk factors for a larger spectrum of psychopathologies is unknown. This study described longitudinal trajectories of overeating and picky eating behaviors in boys and girls from ages 2.5 to 6 years. We then examined whether these developmental trajectories in childhood are associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms during mid-adolescence (age 15).

Methods: 2 014 participants were recruited at birth as part of the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. Mothers completed a measure of childhood eating behaviors at 29, 41, 44-56, 56-68 months, and 6 years old. Participants completed the Mental Health and Social Inadaptation Assessment for Adolescents at age 15. Latent class analyses and univariate regression analyses were conducted.

Results: The optimal model for overeating behaviors had three trajectory groups (early-onset overeating; 14.1%, late-onset overeating; 24.3%, and never-displayed overeating; 61.6%). Three stable trajectory groups were found for picky eating behaviors (high level; 7.1%, mid-level; 37.4%, low level; 55.5%). Higher overeating behaviors in childhood were associated with greater impulsivity, hyperactivity, and anxiety in adolescence in girls but not in boys. Trajectories of picky eating were not linked with mental-health symptoms in adolescence.

Conclusions: Overeating behaviors appear less stable over time than picky eating behaviors. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological well-being and ADHD symptoms in children who overeat, particularly in girls, rather than focusing solely on healthy eating habits.