The idea of psychological impacts on an obese child was unheard of until recently as the issue has been receiving quite a bit of worldwide attention. With all this attention, we all wonder what is going on with them mentally and emotionally. For parents, it’s difficult to understand what their child is thinking or feeling as they cannot be with them all day to partake in their daily routine.
At school, teasing and bullying is something that always happens. Children, while innocent and playful, can also be “evil” towards others. In fact, it is known. Children are easy to reflect their immediate feelings and thoughts towards one another. Those who are bullied or teased about their body can have low self-esteem and a bad self-image.
Because of all this teasing, it makes it unlikely that other children will associate themselves with him or her for fear of being bullied and teased as well. The teasing can cause the child to become depressed, sometimes resulting in the child using food as their comfort. If not stopped promptly, this can lead to long term repercussions when they become adults. Food should never be used as comfort.
The psychological effects from childhood can often be seen in adulthood. A large number of obese children and teens grow up to become obese in their adulthood. It’s important that parents notice psychological signs of obesity and prevent it before they become adults. They must improve their self-esteem so they can deal with it in their adulthood.
Obesity in adulthood can lead to social anxieties. In society, humans want to be accepted by others and have friends. Social anxieties in adulthood are often caused by the same anxieties from childhood. It’s valid to say that social anxieties are created as defense mechanisms. Self-preservation causes us to create these anxieties. Thus, it’s important to take notice and do something about it. Don’t ignore it!
For more details you can consult with Dr. Sharmistha Barai. Dr. Barai, a leading Child & Adolescent psychiatrist based in Saint Louis, Missouri can help you or anyone you know dealing with depression to find effective, medically-proven techniques to deal with the disease and other disorders. She specializes in general psycho-geriatrics, child and adolescent psychiatry, drug and alcohol.
Also read: Bad Food is Taking a Bite out of Your Children’s Mental Health
Dr. Sharmistha Barai, MD 