The medical and public health communities have good reason to be concerned about the epidemic-level overweight and obesity rates among kids. Being overweight not only causes a number of health problems during childhood, but also sets kids up for major medical concerns once they reach adulthood. Yet chronic diseases are just one part of the overall risk to overweight kids. Children with weight problems face social and emotional problems that can have far-reaching effects on their quality of life.
Bullying
Overweight and obese children are often the target of both psychological and physical bullying. Research finds that young adolescents who are overweight are more likely to be the subject of rumors, lose friendships, face teasing and be physically harmed than their peers who are of a normal weight, according to study published in May 2004 in the journal "Pediatrics." Overweight kids are also more likely to avoid participating in physical activities at school out of fear of being teased, according to 2006 research from the University of Florida.
Anxiety
Being overweight can also lead to anxiety development in children. A study of French children found that being overweight was associated with increased general anxiety and emotional problems, according to April 2010 research published in the journal "Obesity." Kids who face ridicule from peers at school or from family members may isolate themselves, leading to the development of social anxiety or phobia. Children who've experienced stressful situations and been the target of negative attention are at risk for having social anxiety.
Academic Problems
Difficulty with social interaction coupled with poor self-image can play a role in how successful overweight kids are in school. Academic priorities may fall to the back burner as kids struggle with anxiety, isolation or other psychosocial problems. In some cases, they may also act out in the classroom, disrupting the learning process. Overweight girls are at particular risk for social problems affecting their ability to function academically. In fact, they are less likely to go to college as a result of being overweight, according to a July 2007 article in "Sociology of Education."
Depression
Poor body image and self-esteem are not uncommon in overweight kids, and both are involved in their development of depression. Depression is a serious mental health concern that can affect kids in every aspect of their lives. They may experience prolonged sadness or show little emotion at all. They are likely to stop participating in hobbies or activities they once found pleasure in, which can further social isolation. Overweight and obese kids are also more likely to have drug problems and eating disorders, in which depression can play a role.
References
- "Pediatrics"; Associations Between Overweight and Obesity with Bullying Behaviors in School-aged Children; I Janssen, et al; May 2004
- University of Florida: Bullying Keeps Overweight Kids Off the Field
- "Obesity"; Child Overweight, Associated Psychopathology and Social Functioning: A French School-based Survey in 6- to 11-year-old Children; I Pitrou, et al; April 2010
- Nemours Foundation TeensHealth: Social Fobia
- MayoClinic.com: Childhood Obesity
- "Sociology of Education"; Gender, Obesity and Education; R Crosnoe; July 2007
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