It seems only natural to consider the psychological effects of teenage obesity and its impact on our youth. Not so long ago it would have been unthinkable to have this discussion. The problem of childhood obesity has received so much attention worldwide that it seems appropriate to consider what is going on in their minds. How does her weight problem affect her emotionally? What we don’t see in our children is of the greatest concern. We can easily see their daily routines, but what underlining psychological effects of teenage obesity don’t we see?
Young children who are obese have been found to outgrow it or just carry “baby fat”. In some cases, that’s true and they grow out of it, but what if they don’t. It’s a well-known fact that children can be mean and bullying. Children who are bullied about their weight are more likely to have poor body image, low self-esteem, and symptoms of depression. Everyone wants to have friends but sometimes the obese teenager feels isolated and lonely. Their self-esteem is low and they use food as their comfort zone, which is usually high in fat, sugar, and calories. The isolation makes them less active, so movement is affected. Because of peer pressure, the psychological effects of obesity in teenagers affect their overall health, which can lead to more serious medical problems. The teenage years are all about growing up, independence and socialization. Peer pressure in teens is a big problem whether they have a weight problem or not, which is why teasing obese teens can be psychologically devastating.
Peer pressure is at the heart of the psychological effects of teenage obesity. The side effect is problems at school and too many school absences. Overweight adolescents are more likely to be absent from school than non-obese adolescents. Some will miss school or skip classes to avoid ridicule, and others due to medical complications associated with obesity. Behavioral and learning problems develop because they feel depressed and socially unacceptable. Obese teens have the same right to an education as non-obese teens, but the taunting affects them emotionally and it’s easier to avoid than confront. Because of the psychological effects of adolescent obesity, they miss out on education.
It seems clear that the psychological effects of teenage obesity have the potential to carry over into adulthood. Including, in some cases, anxiety and compulsive behavior. An alarming number of obese teenagers are growing up to be obese adults, although that doesn’t have to be the case. Once the weight problem has healed and her physical appearance has improved; Your self-esteem and body image will be restored. We must be careful not to ignore the psychological impact of teenage obesity that may still be trapped inside.
Triggers to look out for
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Your overweight teen has less energy or interests and is reluctant to participate in social relationships or other activities;
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Your obese teenager seems increasingly sad, lonely, angry, or withdrawn.
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Your obese teenager has few friends.
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Your overweight teenager has thoughts of harming themselves or others.
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Her obese teenager is obsessed with food.
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Your obese teen is sleeping too much or too little.
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Her obese teenager is reluctant to go to school.
There are steps parents can take to help alleviate the psychological stress caused by teenage obesity. Engage your teen in an open dialogue about their eating habits. Often teenagers overeat because they are depressed. Talking openly about the problem with your overweight child can help you come up with a plan that is achievable. The good news is that with the right diet, exercise, and a really good meal plan, teens can overcome obesity and lead completely normal lives.
Thanks to James Rouse | #Psychological #implications #juvenile #obesity