Emotional health problems caused by childhood obesity Essay

Obesity can cause a child to develop many emotional and physical health related issues. These emotional health problems include low selfesteem and poor body image (Phillips, 2012, p.2). Children who are overweight or obese tend to be targeted when it comes to teasing and bullying. Constantly having their flaws pointed out and being made fun of for how they look usually results in them having a poor body image, so they become critical of their bodies. They start to believe that something is wrong with them and they do not like what they see in the mirror. Being obese of being bullied because they are obese can also cause a child to have low selfesteem, which results in them lacking confidence. They become timid and are afraid that people are not going to like them because of the way they look. Low selfesteem and poor body image can lead to eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia (Phillips, 2012, p.2). These eating disorders can have many negative health consequences, like depression or even death, so they should be taken seriously.

Examples of physical health issues that are related to being overweight or obese are heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and cancer (McBride, 2010, p.1) (Phillips, 2012, p.3). There are many others, but these are some of the most common. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing any of these illnesses. Developing these problems will greatly impact the lifestyle of a person. Asthma can result in having to miss out on playing sports or other physical activities. Someone with asthma can easily become short of breath. Diabetes will cause a person to have to monitor their blood sugar levels and be watchful of their sugar intake. As the childhood obesity rates rise, so do the number of diabetic children. Type 2 diabetes has become so prevalent that it is estimated one in three American children born in 2000 will develop it in their lifetime (Schwager, 2010, p.3). These illnesses can increase the possibility of an early death, especially cancer and heart disease. All of these health issues are dangerous, but it is possible to decrease the risk of developing them by being a normal weight and following a healthy diet and exercise routine.

The rates of childhood obesity have risen, but the amount of effort being put into ending this epidemic has also increased. More programs are being developed to bring awareness and provide education to parents and children about how to prevent and cure obesity. The advancements in the fast food and technology industries have definitely contributed to the number of obese children, but it is up to the parents to take control over the diets of their children. The future for obese children does not look if they do not make changes to their lifestyle, like exercising and maintaining a healthy diet. Defeating childhood obesity is a difficult issue that will involve a group effort, but it is a serious issue than can and will be eliminated.