The Psychological Consequences Of Childhood Obesity

The Psychological Consequences Of Childhood Obesity

It is well-known that obesity in Mexico is a health problem that has increased in recent years. Childhood obesity is also an issue that has gained special interest lately. According to the National Survey of Health and Nutrition, 2006, in Mexico, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children between 5 and 11 years was 26% "which is about 4,158,800 students nationally who are overweight or obesity. "

Obesity is defined as the result of an imbalance between intake and energy expenditure. While among the causes of overweight and obesity are both genetic and environmental factors has been observed that the increase in the rate of childhood obesity is related to the change in eating habits and decreased physical activity. That is, children today have increased their consumption of foods high in calories, saturated fat and sugars and have a sedentary life before children, especially in cities.

But beyond the alarming figures, the reality is that obesity is frowned upon in society in which we live. A child "fat" may be subject to ridicule and stigmatization by their peers, children in school often put them nicknames or relegate the group games. It has been observed as a consequence of obesity, children can present behaviors of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, among other psychological consequences.

Studies show that obese children are less accepted and more rejected than non-obese children (Mahoney, J & Lord, M, 2005) in addition, obese children are likely to be victims of bullying or bullying. Other studies indicate that from 3 years of age children show a negative perception about obesity and this remains throughout childhood (Mahoney, J & Lord, M, 2005). On the other hand, overweight children show greater difficulty in gross motor activities, so that sometimes they themselves avoid participating in such activities.

Wendy Ward-Begnoche and Suzanne Speaker in his article "Overweight youth: changing behaviors that are barriers to health" published in The Journal of Family Practice (2006), discusses some of the obstacles to losing weight, as family members:

It is common for parents of overweight children evade the situation and perceive their child as a child of normal weight when it is not. And is that over the years we have become accustomed to think that an overweight child is healthy, because we say "Good Eats", even often hear parents say "is not fat, is robust" and this perception distorted view of reality, it allows parents to act in the health of your child.

Another barrier mentioned is the attitude of parents about physical activity, if a parent is accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle, this attitude will influence their children. Children look to parents with a reference, a figure which can be identified, so it is recommended that to promote children in sports or physical activity, parents also engage in such activities.

What I can do if my child is overweight or obese? Overweight and obesity are diseases that must be addressed holistically, in addition to the pediatrician, we recommend the advice of a nutritionist to design a meal plan especially for your child. He as an expert can give you recommendations for foods that you should include in your child's diet once you reach your ideal weight.If you see that as a result of overweight your child has low self-esteem, depression or anxiety, it is recommended to see a Child Psychologist.In addition to the advice of experts, as a parent you can perform various actions to support your child:

Evadas not the issue, talk to your child overweight and questions relating to what you think about it. If you have decided to go to a nutritionist or specialist, involve your child in this decision and action plans that will lead to weight loss.Eating healthy is not a sacrifice! Ask your dietitian about foods you can combine, there is always delicious and healthy options you can find, a diet should not be seen as a punishment but as something that will promote health and wellness in your child.Lean on the school. The teacher can help in class talking about good dietary practices favoring class or new physical activities. Remember that the intervention must be comprehensive.Bring to a school activity. It has been shown to participate in an extracurricular activity more than 2 days a week, not only promotes health but promotes integration with other children their age. Try to make this activity motivating for your child, may be swimming, soccer, dance, music and more. There are options for all tastes and budgets.

Avoid temptations. If your refrigerator and pantry are full of junk food are more likely to consume your children, try to have healthy stuff on hand for when you have cravings.Small accomplishments make a difference, motivates your child through specific goals and simple so that you can meet weekly and observe their short-term gains. One week can make a goal for a ride to the park or they can play "the week of fruits". Try to reward your child with stimuli that are not edible like watching a movie you like or go to a favorite spot for him.Is easier to change eating behaviors and physical activity to look at the goals of weight control in children. For your child will be more encouraging to see that you can play football with friends or take a carriage return to see how many kilos fell in the week.Work with body image and self esteem of your child. Recognize your strengths and abilities, and talk with him about how one perceives himself mentions that we all have things we like and we do not like ourselves, if you share with him something you do not like you can encourage to talk more about it. Stories like "Dumbo" or "The Ugly Duckling" or the movie "Kung Fu Panda" can help.Avoid derogatory nicknames like "chubby" or "cachetón", they can reinforce a negative self-image.Finally, it is important to note that childhood obesity is a health issue and not merely an aesthetic issue, so as parents, educators and specialists in children must assume responsibility for preventing and address this issue promptly.