Low Self-Esteem and Obesity in Children Provoke Riskier Habits

Posted on March 25, 2008 in Latest News

Some researchers opine that obesity in children and low self-esteem go hand-in-hand. Most obese children are gripped with this sense of poor self-image as early as 14 years. Experts are of the opinion that low self-esteem has less to do with calorie count or strict diet plans. Instead, much has to be done to change the lifestyle of kids.

Experts revealed a more dangerous consequence of obesity and low self-esteem combined together in adolescents which lead them to riskier habits like – drinking alcohol and smoking. Researchers from the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey examined about 1500 children under a Childhood Weight Control Program to assert the same.

Results of the Study
The children were aged 10 years at the time of examination and not much difference in self-esteem was reported between obese and non-obese children when they were 10 years old.

However, when the kids reached the age of 14 the following results were revealed:

Obese kids were reported to have low self-esteem than non-obese kids of all races.
Obese children with low self-esteem were also giving in to riskier habits like alcohol consumption and smoking

What is Low Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem has been defined by experts as self-worth, respect, confidence or love for oneself. Self-esteem therefore has much to do with emotions and beliefs of the self. Low self-esteem thereby implies the lack of faith in oneself.

Obese children suffering from low self-esteem had lost their sense of self-worth and were gripped with feelings of:

Sadness
Loneliness
Nervous pangs

Alter your Lifestyle
People need to change their lifestyle rather than restrict the daily calorie intake of foods. Some things parents can do to tackle obesity and reduce the dependence of children on alcohol or fags are listed here below:

Teach your child the art of making healthy choices
Encourage more physical activity, games and outdoor activity in kids
Reduce screen time for your kids –television and computers
Parents should also support their child’s efforts to eat or drink right

Psychiatrists opine that parents enforcing diet habits in their children or forced weight control programs can contribute to low self-esteem in children. Assist your children but give them enough time to cope with their own emotions, instincts and habits as well.

Source: Obesity Plus Low Self-Esteem May Lead to Risky Behavior in Teens

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Low Self-Esteem and Obesity in Children Provoke Riskier Habits

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