How often do we see kids playing outdoors? Irrespective of the variety of sports options available for kids to indulge in, one can see a sizeable increase in the rounder population across the world. There may be many factors to this, including increased consumption of high calorie processed food and a shift towards a sedentary lifestyle. An unhealthy lifestyle during the growing years of a child can lead to several complications. Obesity is one of the significant issues faced in today’s time. As we say that one thing leads to another, an obese child is often subjected to stressful situations in public.
Subject to the situations handled by kids due to their physical appearance, it certainly affects the mental health of the child. Research has shown that while there is no clear connection between obesity and depression, it brings with it the implications of psychological distress caused by weight-related stigma and discrimination.
Obesity and Health
There are several ailments and health problems that come with obesity in children. First and foremost, being overweight quadruples the risk of type 2 diabetes in kids. Also, erratic sleeping patterns, constant tiredness and reduced energy levels add to the woes.
Not just in adults, but obesity also triggers several psychological disorders in children, including depression, eating disorders, distorted body image, and low self-esteem. If you see your child resorting to food for comfort, immediately take active steps to address your child’s cause of worry. It is best to take your child to a psychologist or a paediatrician for further investigation.
A Two-Way Link
The relationship between obesity and mental health issues is complicated. There are several theories about the association between the two. Some researchers say that obesity can lead to mental health problems in kids, while others have found them to be more prone to obesity. Several findings and mechanisms could highlight the associations between obesity and mental health:
- Both obesity and mental health disorders account for a significant proportion of the global burden of disease.
- The mental health of girls is profoundly affected by overweight and obesity than that of boys.
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