Obesity--excessive body weight that increases risk for numerous diseases--poses numerous physical and emotional risks for children and adults. In addition to genetic factors and lifestyle habits, sexual, physical and emotional abuse may increase a child's risk for developing obesity. Since obesity and child abuse can lead to severe, long-term complications, early intervention is key. Childhood abuse and obesity are complex; thus, a doctor's guidance is recommended if either occurs or is suspected.
Relationship
Child abuse may contribute to obesity. According to an article published in the "Boston Globe" on June 7, 2010, researchers at the Boston University School of Medical deduced that children who are chronically abused are more likely to develop obesity by the age of 5 than children who are not. Research published in the journal, Obesity Reviews in 2004 suggests at least a modest link between sexual abuse during childhood and obesity in adulthood.
Causes
Numerous factors contribute to childhood obesity, including excessive caloric intake, inactivity, genetic factors and family lifestyle habits. According to "Obesity Reviews," sexually abused children are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, eating disorders and substance abuse--many of which are affect a person's appetite, eating and lifestyle behaviors and body weight. Children who cope with stress and difficult emotions caused by abuse by eating may develop binge eating or general overeating behaviors. Child abuse can also have severe effects on a child's self-perception and body image. Children who view themselves negatively may be more likely to take poor care of themselves nutritionally and otherwise, which may lead to obesity.
Complications
Childhood obesity and child abuse pose numerous serious risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, child abuse may lead to physical and learning disabilities, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, poor relationship skills, distorted views of parenthood, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and eating disorders. Obesity increases children's risk for heart disease, diabetes and adulthood obesity. Since obesity also increases risk of psychological problems, such as depression and low self-esteem, child abuse, coupled with obesity, may further increases these risks. Children of obese parents are more likely to become obese themselves, and, according to the Mayo Clinic, abused children are more likely than non-abused children to become abusive adults.
Controversy
Numerous professionals view childhood obesity as a form of child abuse. According to an article published in the New York Daily News on July 22, 2009, several law suits have been filed against parents of obese children. This notion remains controversial, since parents are only able to supervise children's eating behaviors and lifestyle habits for limited periods of time and because factors other than parents' behaviors and guidance contribute to obesity.
Solutions
Prevention of child abuse and obesity may prove most useful in alleviating problems surrounding both issues. Reporting potential child abuse cases and educating children on appropriate vs. inappropriate behaviors from friends and family members are encouraged. In their report featured in Obesity Reviews, T. B. Gustafson and D. B. Sarwer suggest psychological counseling that includes observation of patients' weight and dietary habits for all victims of child abuse. Since psychological aspects of child abuse and obesity may hinder weight loss efforts, treatment that addresses emotional wellness and behaviors are vital.
References
- The Boston Globe; Family violence linked to child obesity; June 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Childhood Obesity Risk Factors
- "Obesity Reviews"; Childhood sexual abuse and obesity; T. B. Gustafson and D. B. Sarwer; 2004
- Mayo Clinic: Child Abuse Complications
- New York Daily News; Is Childhood Obesity Abuse?; Tracy Miller; July 2009
Member Comments