We are all most likely aware of the unfavorable impact that excess weight can have on our kids' physical health, but what about the effect of obesity on their mental and emotional health?
Not as much is learnt about this subject because there isn't a constant and clear relationship between weight and mental health. Not all thin kids more than happy and not all overweight or overweight kids are sad.
What we do understand is that kids who are overweight or overweight frequently face weight-related stereotypes, social exemption and discrimination. Handling these obstacles can add to depression, stress and anxiety, low self-confidence and poor body image. In addition, we understand that children who are obese suffer from a lower health-related quality of life. Research studies show that teenagers and kids who are obese report a quality of life that is comparable to children who are detected with cancer and are receiving chemotherapy.
Regardless of a rise in public awareness and zero-tolerance policies in numerous schools, weight-related bullying-- particularly cyber bullying-- is a typical experience for lots of overweight kids, and can have a destructive impact on their emotional well-being. Overweight kids, specifically those with low self-esteem and bad body image, are at a higher danger of being victims of bullying. A vicious circle can then be set into motion:
Weight-related bullying can lead to a boost in negative sensations consisting of stress and anxiety and signs of depression like irritation, sad mood, low energy and tiredness, problem sleeping, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. This can cause psychological consuming, which can then lead to more weight gain, which may result in increased bullying, which then begins the cycle all over again.
Women tend to be more vulnerable to the negative impact of weight-related bullying due to the importance of body image typically put on their self-confidence and self-worth.
What is most worrying is the relationship in between bullying and suicide, particularly in obese youth. Obese kids who are victims of weight-related teasing or bullying are 2-3 times more likely to report ideas of suicide or to take part in self-harming habits, such as cutting. This is a disconcerting figure.
Regretfully, there isn't a quick fix and reducing weight doesn't always make the issues vanish. However, increasing awareness of not only the physical effect, however the psychological effect of obesity on kids and teens, is an excellent place to start.
At the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition, we have a multidisciplinary team that believes in dealing with the mental and physical impacts of obesity. Speak with your kid's pediatrician about a recommendation or contact the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition to receive more details or demand a consultation.
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