it is said that obesity is the result of many different factors; Sometimes it is genetic in nature and sometimes, it is a result of poor lifestyle choices like eating habits and sleeping patterns.
When it comes to childhood obesityDr. Rajat Goyal, Obesity and Bariatric Surgeon at Apollo Spectra Delhi, Karol Bagh, says that childhood obesity leads to financial expenditure apart from health expenditure. “Your child’s weight issue is closely tied to their emotional life,” he says.
According to the expert, obesity can take an emotional toll on the child. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Social shame and stigma
“Living with extra weight can be difficult overweight children, In some ways, the social stigma attached to it can harm children as much as the medical ailments and problems that often go along with it,” says Dr Goyal.
He says studies have shown that as young as six years old can identify with negative stereotypes associated with obesity and believe that an older child is “less desirable in a culture that places a premium on thinness”. .
2. Bullying and Self-Esteem at School
While it is true that some overweight children may enjoy popularity among their peers, feel good and have a lot more confidence, compared to leaner friends, they may also suffer from poor self-esteem. .
“Their low self-esteem can make them feel self-conscious about appearance; This lack of confidence can affect school work. You probably don’t need a long explanation of how difficult their daily life can sometimes be if a child is overweight, ”says the doctor.
He warns that this is what kids may be hearing from their peers (and even adults). overweight They have their own responsibility. “They could receive insults, experience bullying and taunting. They may drift away from their old friends, and may have a hard time finding new ones. When teams are selected in physical education classes , then they can be finally selected.”
Some overweight youth may turn to food for emotional solace. (Photo: Getty/Thinkstock)
3. Depression
According to the doctor, the child may feel that he does not fit in or does not belong anywhere. He could consider himself an outcast. “They will often experience loneliness, and may even become depressed. When this scenario becomes embedded in their lives – month after month, year after year…[it could signal depression],
4. Emotional Eating
The doctor says that while their parents and doctors are advising them to eat less, some overweight youths may turn to food for emotional solace. “Some children habitually overeat because of these and other emotional ups and downs in life, such as the stress of relocating to a new area, challenges at school, loss of a parent, or divorce.”
5. Discrimination
have other effects obesity It lasts a long time, well beyond puberty, he adds.
According to the expert, overweight teens and adults may experience prejudice based only on their weight. “According to some data, they are less likely to be admitted to a major university. Compared to their counterparts who are leaner, they may also have a harder time obtaining desirable occupations. There may be a tendency to earn less money than acquaintances who are of average weight,” he says.
Experts say the cycle can be broken. “Problems like excessive screen timeInactivity, and poor diet can be resolved by making adjustments in lifestyle. A balanced, more plant-based, less processed foods, regular physical exercise and less screen time dietary patterns should be encouraged by parents. these things can add up gut healthcontrol weight, and increase self-esteem and overall well-being,” the expert concluded.
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