Childhood obesity is a growing problem in our society, more important than we think. We usually talk about the physical implications of this disorder, although there are also certain psychological aspects associated with childhood obesity that we went on to comment.
It is very important the impact that obesity has on the psychological development and social adaptation of the child in relation to self-esteem, depression and imbalances in social behavior.
Therefore, it is essential to insist on the prevention of obesity not only from the physical aspect, but to give importance to the emotional aspect, considering the psychological problems that obesity produces in children.
In general, people affected by obesity have certain acceptance problems by society, sometimes suffering situations that trigger antisocial attitudes and can lead to isolation, depression, anxiety and inactivity. Often, such situations lead to an increase in food intake, which in turn favors the positive energy balance.
The influence of psychological factors on the onset of obesity is not clear, and there are no compulsive eaters in childhood.
What has been proven is that there is an effect on obesity of family factors: The parents' bad eating habits are inherited and their anxiety is suffered so that the child eats more.
Problems of self-esteem in obsessed children
With regard to the problems of self-esteem, and in the same way that happens with adults, the obese child sometimes suffers social rejection. You can even be blamed for your situation, eating too much and not taking responsibility for maintaining your weight.
All this can lead to the child being sad, nervous and lonely, which can increase energy intake as compensation. If the family environment does not act or does not give importance to these facts, self-esteem problems can continue indefinitely.
The medical professionals, in addition to evaluating, knowing and helping to solve the problems of excessive intake of the obese child should know the psychological and social circumstances in which they are in order to act in the best way and help the child and the family to control the obesity.
As in so many other areas, sometimes a support with psychosocial measures is necessary, transcending the merely physical and individual.
Remember that to prevent and control obesity the child must follow a normal, complete and varied diet, according to his age, and perform moderate exercise.
Following these tips, and taking into account the psychological aspects of childhood obesity we will achieve a good physical and emotional health.
