We are all likely familiar with the unfavorable effect that excess weight can have on our kids' physical health, however what about the effect of obesity on their psychological and mental health?
Not as much is known about this subject due to the fact that there isn't a constant and clear relationship in between weight and mental health. Not all thin children more than happy and not all obese or overweight children are sad.
What we do understand is that kids who are obese or overweight often deal with weight-related stereotypes, social exemption and discrimination. Dealing with these obstacles can contribute to depression, stress and anxiety, low self-esteem and bad body image. Furthermore, we know that children who are overweight struggle with a lower health-related lifestyle. Research studies show that teenagers and children who are overweight report a lifestyle that is comparable to children who are detected with cancer and are getting chemotherapy.
In spite of a rise in public awareness and zero-tolerance policies in many schools, weight-related bullying-- especially cyber bullying-- is a typical experience for numerous overweight kids, and can have a destructive impact on their psychological well-being. Obese children, particularly those with low self-esteem and bad body image, are at a greater threat of being victims of bullying. A vicious cycle can then be set into motion:
Weight-related bullying can lead to a boost in unfavorable feelings consisting of anxiety and signs of anxiety like irritability, unfortunate mood, low energy and fatigue, problem sleeping, and a lack of interest in previously delighted in activities. This can lead to emotional eating, which can then lead to additional weight gain, which might lead to increased bullying, which then starts the cycle all over once again.
Women tend to be more susceptible to the unfavorable effect of weight-related bullying due to the value of body image often put on their self-confidence and self-respect.
What is most concerning is the relationship in between bullying and suicide, specifically in overweight youth. Overweight kids who are victims of weight-related teasing or bullying are 2-3 times most likely to report ideas of suicide or to participate in self-harming habits, such as cutting. This is a worrying statistic.
Unfortunately, there isn't a quick fix and slimming down does not constantly make the problems vanish. Nevertheless, increasing awareness of not just the physical impact, but the psychological effect of obesity on kids and teens, is an excellent location to begin.
At the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition, we have a multidisciplinary team that believes in dealing with the psychological and physical impacts of obesity. Speak to your child's pediatrician about a recommendation or call the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition to get more information or demand an appointment.
For teens who still struggle to handle their weight through diet and lifestyle modifications alone, bariatric surgical treatment has proven to be an efficient alternative for losing weight and decreasing-- or often reversing-- numerous obesity-related conditions. Click here to get more information about weight-loss surgical treatment, or learn if you might be a prospect for bariatric surgery by addressing seven basic questions