We are all most likely familiar with the unfavorable effect that excess weight can have on our kids' physical health, but what about the effect of obesity on their psychological and psychological health?
Because there isn't a clear and consistent relationship between weight and mental health, not as much is understood about this topic. Not all thin kids are happy and not all overweight or obese kids are sad.
What we do know is that kids who are overweight or overweight frequently deal with weight-related stereotypes, social exclusion and discrimination. Dealing with these challenges can add to depression, stress and anxiety, low self-esteem and bad body image. In addition, we understand that children who are obese experience a lower health-related lifestyle. Studies reveal that kids and teenagers who are overweight report a quality of life that is comparable to kids who are identified with cancer and are getting chemotherapy.
In spite of an increase in public awareness and zero-tolerance policies in numerous schools, weight-related bullying-- especially cyber bullying-- is a common experience for many overweight kids, and can have a devastating effect on their emotional well-being. Overweight kids, specifically those with low self-confidence and poor body image, are at a higher risk of being victims of bullying. A vicious cycle can then be set into movement:
Weight-related bullying can cause an increase in unfavorable sensations consisting of anxiety and signs of anxiety like irritation, unfortunate mood, low energy and tiredness, difficulty sleeping, and a lack of interest in formerly delighted in activities. This can lead to emotional eating, which can then result in additional weight gain, which may lead to increased bullying, which then starts the cycle all over once again.
Women tend to be more susceptible to the negative effect of weight-related bullying due to the significance of body image frequently put on their self-confidence and self-regard.
What is most concerning is the relationship in between bullying and suicide, specifically in overweight youth. Obese kids who are victims of weight-related teasing or bullying are 2-3 times most likely to report thoughts of suicide or to engage in self-harming behavior, such as cutting. This is an alarming figure.
Regretfully, there isn't a quick fix and reducing weight does not constantly make the issues vanish. However, increasing awareness of not only the physical effect, however the psychological impact of obesity on kids and teenagers, is a good location to begin.
At the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition, we have a multidisciplinary group that believes in treating the physical and psychological results of obesity. Talk to your child's pediatrician about a referral or call the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition to receive more details or request a visit.
For teenagers who still struggle to handle their weight through diet and lifestyle changes alone, bariatric surgical treatment has shown to be a reliable option for dropping weight and reducing-- or typically reversing-- many obesity-related conditions. Click here to read more about weight loss surgery, or discover if you might be a prospect for bariatric surgery by addressing seven basic concerns