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The stigma of being overweight can translate into social struggles for the overweight children, say authors of a recent study. Children who are overweight when they start school tend to struggle in their relationships with their peers a few years later, a new study has claimed.
Both objective and subjective measures of social status and inequality are associated with increased energy intake and decreased energy expenditure, which could place individuals of low social status at greater risk for obesity development.
What are some of the social problems that an obese child might face?
Obesity can have a major impact on how children feel about themselves and how they interact with others. Obese adolescents are more likely to have low self-esteem, which may impact on other aspects of their lives, such as the development of friendships and competency at school.
Why is child obesity a problem?
It’s particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once considered adult problems — diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Childhood obesity can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression.
Obesity can conflict with aesthetic, moral, or other social norms. Making obesity a “social disease” may very well be a wise health policy, assuring and improving population health, especially if we address the social determinants of obesity, such as the food supply and marketing system.
Childhood obesity is also related to8-10: Psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Low self-esteem and lower self-reported quality of life. Social problems such as bullying and stigma.
Who does childhood obesity affect?
The prevalence of obesity was 19.3\% and affected about 14.4 million children and adolescents. Obesity prevalence was 13.4\% among 2- to 5-year-olds, 20.3\% among 6- to 11-year-olds, and 21.2\% among 12- to 19-year-olds. Childhood obesity is also more common among certain populations.
What can childhood obesity lead to?
Consequences of Obesity Children who have obesity are more likely to have: High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Breathing problems, such as asthma and sleep apnea.
Psychosocial consequences of obesity Overweight children and adolescents may experience deleterious psychosocial sequelae [4][5], including depression, teasing, social isolation and discrimination, diminished self-esteem, behavioural problems, dissatisfaction with body-image, and reduced quality of life [5][28][30].
How dangerous is childhood obesity?
Why Childhood Obesity Is So Dangerous. Childhood obesity is on the rise. Worse, it has become the most prevalent pediatric problem in the United States, affecting as many as 15-30\% of grade school children and adolescents. Obese children are very likely to become obese adults who will have a significantly higher risk of developing medical problems.
How does childhood obesity affect society?
Childhood Obesity and Child Well-being. Children with obesity are bullied and teased more than their normal weight peers 21 and are more likely to suffer from social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem. 22,23 In the long term, a child with obesity is more likely to have obesity as an adult.