1. Defining Childhood Obesity
Before understanding obesity's mental effects on children, parents must first learn how obesity is measured. Obesity is often defined in terms of normal ranges of body mass index (BMI) for children of varying age ranges and heights. BMI calculators adults use to determine obesity are not valid for children. The child's physician can evaluate if a child is obese for their height and weight as compared to national norms for other children of comparable size, weight and age.
2. Lower Self-Esteem
Children who are obese face obstacles that children of normal weight may not understand. Researchers have noted that girls who are obese have lower self-esteem and fewer friends and may be targets for bullying or teasing by other children. Some of these emotions can linger into the teen years and even into adulthood.
3. Higher Rates of Depression
Researchers are not sure if obesity causes depression or if the depression accompanies obesity for other related reasons. Untreated depression in obese children can lead to serious emotional consequences. Children who are obese tend to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol and substance abuse at higher rates than their non-obese peers. Depression is not difficult to treat, but it is important that parents recognize these signs and seek treatment as soon as possible.
4. Signs of Mental or Emotional Distress
Obese children may exhibit specific signs or symptoms that can give parents some insight into whether or not they're experiencing emotional distress. Some obese children refuse to go to school or do so with extreme reluctance. Others have few friends and seldom participate in school activities. They may appear sad and withdrawn. Others engage in negative self-talk regardless of their circumstances. Finally, some children contemplate suicide or self-harm as a way out of their situation. Any of these symptoms should be taken seriously. If a child discusses suicide or harming themselves, it is critical to seek help immediately.
5. Helping Children through the Issues
There are ways that parents can help obese children work through some of the emotional effects they may be experiencing. Fostering an environment of open communication is the best start to this process. Children should understand that they are loved regardless of their size. Praise builds a child's self-esteem and should be given for accomplishments. Parents should also not criticize or judge a child for their weight struggles since doing so enforces the negative stereotype that they have been facing in social situations. Parents should have their child evaluated to determine that their weight gain is not due to an underlying medical condition. Once this cause is ruled out, parents can take the lead in opening the discussion about what are some triggers to overeating and how children can make more healthy food and exercise choices every day.
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