Emotional Effects of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity may cause serious health problems later in life. It also has immediately painful emotional effects. Children are bombarded with the idea that being thin and being beautiful goes hand-in-hand. Overweight children are often ostracized by their peers, causing them to develop a sense of isolation, which often leads to more serious psychological issues.

Low Self-Esteem

Obese children tend to become the object of teasing and bullying in school. This causes feelings of shame, self-hatred and loneliness, which often morph into anxiety and even depression. Obese children may even be more prone to substance abuse later in life.

Problems in School

When children are ostracized by their peers, they may act out by being disruptive or even destructive in school. In contrast, some isolated children become very anxious and therefore withdraw in school. In both cases, their academic performance usually suffers.

Not Just Peers

Classmates aren't the only people who can negatively affect an obese child's self-image. As obese children often appear older than they are, adults may call them "immature," when really they are acting their own age.

Comfort Eating

As obese children experience stress and painful loneliness, they often turn to food as a crutch. Children who are overweight from a very young age can easily fall into the trap of emotional eating, exacerbating the problem.

How to Deal

The best way to avoid these problems is, of course, to keep careful watch over your children's eating and exercise habits. It is also important for parents to avoid using food as a reward, even with very young children. Fast food and candy should never be associated with a job well done. Time with friends or a special outing is a healthier alternative, both mentally and physically.