Low Self-Esteem in Children leads to unhealthy Obesity
Researchers have recently discovered that children who are suffering from low self-esteem are much more likely to become obese as adults . The team of scientists investigated 6500 people in a 1970 cohort which made clear that 10 year olds with rather low self-esteem tend to be clinically obese when they are adults, in particular when it came to girls. The researchers from Kings College, London were certain that for this problem to be solved then early intervention would be the key to success.
The investigation began with the children having their weight and height recorded by a specialist nurse and then when they got to the age of 30 they self-reported with their emotional well-being and state of mind also being measured. The results of the scientific report revealed that children who had low self-worth and feelings of a lack of control over their lives were more likey to increase their weight over 20 years.
According to professor David Collier, ” What’s novel about this study is that obesity has been regarded as a metabolic disorder-what we’ve found is that emotional problems are a risk factor for obesity. ” This is not about people with deep psychological problems, all the anxiety and low self-esteem were within the normal range.”
Andrew Ternouth, a key researcher on this study said: “
While we cannot say that childhood emotional problems cause obesity in later life, we can certainly say they play a role, along with factors such as parental weight, diet and exercise.
“Strategies to promote the social and emotional aspects of learning, including the promotion of self-esteem, are central to a number of recent policy initiatives.
“Our findings suggest that approaches of this kind may carry positive benefits for physical health as well as for other aspects of children’s development.”
Dr Ian Campbell, of the charity, Weight Concern, said: “This study presents some disturbing evidence that, as we suspected, childhood psychological issues have an influence on future weight gain and health.
“Many of the adults we work with have identifiable underlying emotional and self esteem issues and are often resistant to treatment.
“The message here is that early intervention, in childhood, can be the key to combating adult obesity.
“That requires much more than health practitioners can deliver alone and needs greater alertness from parents, teachers, and anyone involved in the welfare of children.”
David Power
Medical Hypnosis Expert and Practical Parenting Expert
Comments
By James Mason on September 24th, 2009 at 3:17 AM
I have wondered if the children don’t get the attention they need when they are younger.
What with both parents working or single parents working.
Thanks for the info.
James Mason
BusinessAndMarketingMakeover.com/blog
By Lisa McLellan on September 24th, 2009 at 3:39 AM
Sometimes I look around and can’t find anyone who isn’t clinically obese. I think there are more obese adults than average size. Although I shouldn’t use the term “average” because if my observations were true, then the real “average” size would be obese!
Lisa McLellan
Babysitting Services – Babysitters and Nannies
By Mister P on September 24th, 2009 at 3:54 AM
Great post!
Funny that self esteem would play such an important role in weight gain!
Bert (alter ego- Mister P)
MisterP.org
BusinessAndMarketingMakeover.com/blog
Because Nobody Does It Alone.
By Keri Eagan on September 24th, 2009 at 4:22 AM
Makes sense. I’d be interested to know how much food was being used as “medication” to improve the dopamine levels (sugar produces a temporary increase in dopamine).
Keri Eagan
Anything Alternative
By Darryl Pace on September 24th, 2009 at 4:27 AM
Very interesting information. I’m not surprised by this. It seems that there are deep-seated emotional / psychological reasons behind much of what we (human beings) do.
Health, Fitness for Working People — Darryl Pace
By Robert Martin on September 24th, 2009 at 4:36 AM
I once read in a hypnosis book, weight like cigarettes become a security blanket for the individual.
Robert Martin
http://www.carbuyinghq.com
By Steve Chambers on September 24th, 2009 at 5:39 AM
The question I have is, “Were the children with low self-esteem overweight as children?” The study doesn’t say. A fat child would both have low self-esteem and a penchant for obesity.
Steve Chambers, B2B Sale Trainer
By Terry on September 24th, 2009 at 7:52 AM
This will remind us to teach our chidren to believe in themselves as they mature.
Terry
http://www.terrytom.com
By John Ho on September 24th, 2009 at 7:56 AM
Sad to say that Australia has the most obese people in the world!
Numerology Expert Helps Understanding Personality for Better Influence & Persuasion
By Jose Escalante on September 24th, 2009 at 8:46 AM
More reasons to always to point out the good things in your child.
Jose Escalante
http://www.JoseEscalante.com
By Lynn Lane on September 24th, 2009 at 2:14 PM
David,
It really upsets me to know that so many parents and adults contribute to the welfare and mental health of children in a negetive way.
In the states we have to take a test to drive a car, to earn a degree, but not to have a child.
Lynn Lane
http://www.Warriorofsuccess.com
By Las Vegas Baby Boomer Dating Success Expert on September 24th, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Hi David, indeed this is very VERY accurate. Emotional issues, low self-esteem, communication skills for valuing ourselves and asking for what we want all contribute to Obesity!
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Single Baby Boomer Dating Success Expert
By Vicki on September 24th, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Children look up to adults and I think it is very important to think about our actions as well as our words around them. Especially if we are care providers/teachers. Constantly playing a child will definiately affect them later in life.
Vicki http://www.bridalthreadshq.com
By Martin on September 24th, 2009 at 9:04 PM
It does seem somewhat chicken-and-egg – was it low self-esteem that led to obesity or obesity (or being “plump” or useless at sport) that led to low self esteem? I don’t doubt that the two are inextricably linked.
In my opinion, any weight loss/control program needs to begin with self-esteem.
http://www.martin-wright.com
By Greg on September 24th, 2009 at 9:15 PM
In America, I’m certain that junk food as the norm also plays a contributing role!
Greg Dougall, http://www.gregdougall.com
By Jennifer Battaglino on September 25th, 2009 at 3:46 AM
Great post as I have been thinking about this lately due to two girls I have been working with. One started out as a self-esteem/weight issue. The other is a teenager with an illness. She has been consistently gaining weight as well. It’s about what comes first… Both play into each other and parents, teachers, family, friends need to be aware of the signs.
Jen
The Harwood Center – Tinnitus, Chronic Illness, Fears, and Anxiety
By James Mason on September 25th, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Great post!
It is good if teachers and doctors would bring this up with the parents early on, for sure.
James Mason
JamesMasonOnline.com/blog
By Katie on September 26th, 2009 at 12:50 AM
I wonder how much of the issue is also tied to the fact that people with low self esteem hang out with others who have low self esteem and then the ball really gets rolling!
That being said, we hyper compensate by telling everyone tovalue themselves and that each child is an honor student . . . this has led to devaluation of achievement and then leaves nothing to strive for which is the very process needed to build self esteem!
The importance of water, Katie
By Kate McKeon on September 26th, 2009 at 2:45 AM
Yeah, it is impressive isn’t it, we take a test to drive a car but no test required to bring baby home from the hospital . . .
If we are going to give every man, woman and child healthcare, is it reasonable for the state to demand tests of parental ability? How long before we have a gigantic mess with that? Any bets?
Pushing companies from good to great, Kate
By Lisa McLellan on September 26th, 2009 at 8:06 PM
I would love to compare rates of obesity of about 20 different countries and then try to analyze what is the difference. Most of the children I babysit are average size. I wonder if there is a common age when children become overweight.
Lisa McLellan
Child Care Expert,
Babysitting Services, Babysitting Tips, Babysitters and Nannies
By Scott Payne on September 27th, 2009 at 1:07 AM
With all the homes with 2 parents working its hard… very good insite..
http://www.salesjunkie.net
http://www.scottpayne.me
By Lisa on October 9th, 2009 at 10:05 PM
It’s so true. Abusive words/behavior affect children way into their adulthood, so it’s so vital to build children’s self esteem when they are young.
MissMentor