The rise in childhood obesity in America carries a number of potentially serious ramifications. By increasing awareness of these risk factors, experts hope that the epidemic of obesity and the repercussions can be reduced. If your child is obese or at risk for obesity and demonstrates psychological symptoms, seek guidance from a qualified professional who can guide you toward proper treatment.
Low Self-Esteem
Since children are just beginning to nurture and develop self-concept, childhood is a critical time in which self-esteem should be nurtured. According to research conducted at Missouri Western State University, a strong correlation exists between children's weight and their self-esteem, and obese children carry the highest risk for developing low or severely low self-esteem. Their poor feelings of self-worth often carry on into adulthood. The study also found that obese children with reduced self-esteem are apt to seek ways of hiding their bodies by wearing baggy clothes or slouching.
Depression
Depression is an emotional condition characterized by elongated periods of negative moods, such as sadness, loneliness or lack of purpose. According to TDH, obese children are at heightened risk for developing depression and having suicidal thoughts. Since obese children are often insecure about their body size and often experience ridicule from their peers, depressive thoughts and behaviors can worsen if they are not addressed. Though obesity presents itself physically through excess body weight, the underlying issues, such as depression and personal insecurities, must be addressed in order for the best chances of improved weight management and emotional health.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a common emotion amongst children at various ages. When it becomes severe, however, it may be indicative of more serious, psychological problems. According to TDH, obese children are at greater risk for developing severe anxiety than children of healthy weight. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry explains that in cases of severe anxiety, symptoms such as obsessive fearful thoughts, fear of embarrassment and constant worrying detract from a child's usual life and activities, whereas mild or normal levels of anxiety do not.
References
- Texas Department of Health: Psychological Impact of Obesity on School-Aged Children, June 2004
- National Undergraduate Research Clearinghouse: Self-Esteem Impacts Obese Children, Missouri Western State University, Apr 2003
- The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Childhood Anxiety Symptoms
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