The impact of obesity on children's mental health

The number of obesity cases in children has increased in recent decades. WHO currently puts obesity in children as a serious challenge in the world of health.

Previous studies have linked obesity in childhood to the risk of premature death as they become adults.

The shape and health of the bodies they experienced during their childhood had a profound effect on their mental health. Therefore, the impact of obesity on children's mental health is quite large.

This is shown through a study from PLOS Medicine . Experts in the study showed that people who were obese as children had a three times higher risk of dying.

The study was followed by 7,000 participants who underwent treatment for obesity between the ages of 3 and 17. Participants who had experienced obesity were then compared with 34,000 people of the same age, gender, and area of residence.

As a result, as many as 39 people (0.55 percent) in one obese group died while undergoing further treatment for an average of 3.6 years compared to 65 people in the other group. Then, their average age at death was 22 years.

The impact of obesity on children's mental health has an effect on the increased risk of premature death during adulthood, especially suicide.

In fact, the most plausible explanation of these findings is a complication of obesity leading to chronic disease. Starting from diabetes, impaired liver function, to high blood pressure.

In addition, children and adolescents who suffer from obesity are also prone to discrimination which can cause psychological problems.

Therefore, the relationship between childhood obesity and their mental health still needs to be followed up with further studies.

Girls are more at risk than boys

The impact of obesity experienced by children on mental health needs to be considered so that it does not affect them when they grow up.

Another study from BMC Medicine found the effect of obesity on the risk of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. From this study, it was revealed that girls who are obese have the potential to have anxiety disorders and depression 43 percent higher.

Obese boys have a 33 percent higher risk than their peers. In a study involving more than 12,000 children aged 6-17 years, they are undergoing treatment for obesity.

However, there are other factors that may cause mental health problems for children. Starting from family background, neuropsychiatric disorders, to social and economic status.

Obese children are very important to get adequate and good care for the long term. This aims to reduce the risk of premature death from obesity or suicide due to psychological disorders.

Low self-esteem

Lack of confidence is one of the most frequent effects of obesity on children's mental health. Obesity is not only a matter of physical condition, but also often being compared with other people. As a result, they are very aware of the condition of their bodies, so they often feel alone.

These comparisons can actually come from trivial things, such as clothing choices, attractiveness, and of course weight.

Adolescents who are obese may not feel fit in the environment because they feel their peers are in better physical condition, aka thinner.

This is not surprising, as several studies show that the level of self-confidence of children who are obese tends to be lower.

In other words, obesity in children makes them unhappy with themselves in many ways, including appearance.

Problematic behavior increases

Apart from having a low level of self-confidence, the impact of obesity on the mental health of other children is the risk of having problematic behavior.

Almost all teenagers go through a puberty phase that makes them want to try everything and often causes problems.

However, parents of children with obesity reported that their children had more behavioral problems.

For example, many parents tell us that their children have a hard time expressing their feelings. As a result, this triggers the risk of depression, excessive anxiety, and eating disorders.

Not a few children who are obese also have problems when expressing their anger, so they tend to reject or argue when told.

In addition, they also revealed that their children did not do well in school and did not have many friends.

Most obese children tend to have low test scores and miss out on favorite colleges, especially girls. This may occur because children feel that school is not a safe and fun place.

Not a few of adolescents who are obese get it bullying from peers and adults. Old friends may avoid them and they have trouble making new friends.

This makes it difficult for children to study at school and get good achievements.

It is time for parents to act

Obesity in children does have a negative impact on their mental health.

The role of parents is very important to take steps so that this problem can be corrected by inviting children to change their nutritional intake and do physical activity.

Don't forget to contact the pediatrician as the first step in getting your child the help they need.