THE EFFECTS OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY ON SELF-ESTEEM

The Effects of Childhood Obesity on Self-Esteem

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of Childhood Obesity in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on Childhood Obesity and its negative effects on the self-esteem. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for Childhood Obesity and tries to describe its overall effect on the lower self-esteem.

The Scope of this research is to make the readers aware of the fact that childhood obesity is one of a serious concern to the United States of America and that they are definitely using new strategies and method to control it. This research will also make the readers gain insight concerning the effects obesity has on self esteem (Obarzanek, 2006).

Childhood obesity has become an alarming national epidemic and has increased considerably in the last two decades. The percentage of children and adolescents defined as overweight has more than doubled since the early 1970's. According to the Centers for Disease Control, currently, approximately 15% of children and adolescents are overweight. Overweight children are much more likely to become overweight adults unless they adopt and maintain healthier eating patterns and exercise. In fact, 30% of adult obesity begins in childhood. Obesity causes over 300,000 deaths per year and the annual cost of obesity to society is estimated at nearly $ 100 billion (Peter, 2005).

The children themselves perceive the most immediate consequence of being overweight in social discrimination and low self-esteem. Childhood obesity is rising at an increasing rate in the United States.

The claim here is that Childhood obesity is a growing problem in our society, more important than you think. We usually talk of the physical implications of this disorder, although there are certain psychological aspects associated with childhood obesity which we shall discuss.

The impact obesity has on psychological and social adjustment of children is in relation to self-esteem, depression and disruptions in social behavior (Cornette, 2008).

It is therefore essential to stress the prevention of obesity not only from the physical aspect, but give importance to the emotional side, considering the psychological problems of obesity occur in children. In general, people suffering from obesity have certain problems of acceptance by society, suffering at times from situations that trigger anti-social behavior and can lead to isolation, depression, anxiety and inactivity. Often, such situations lead to increased in food intake, which in turn ...