Causes and Psychological Consequences of Childhood Obesity

Abstract

Childhood obesity is one of the emerging issue concerning health domain worldwide, which children are made to face with associated complexities while performing their everyday activities of life. According to WHO report in 2015 the toll of obese children was over 42 million worldwide. As per WHO’s definition, obesity in general is an abnormal or enhanced fat accumulation i.e., BMI of more than 30. The problem has a wide global extant. The incidence has exceedingly increased since last couple of decades and is constantly on rise. Some key factors that contribute towards the onset of obesity in children include injudicious intake of sugary beverages, high intake of fast food and snacks, individual psychology, dietary habits, physical activity, sociocultural factors, family, environmental factors, metabolism, genetics and short sleep patterns. Beside the increased risk of multiple acute and chronic medical problems obese children are also faced with hostile psychological in terms of mental and emotional experiences as compared to their normal weight age fellows and peers, which have the probability to persist into adulthood age and therefore affecting quality of life in childhood as well as adulthood. Obese children are more likely to fall a victim to various psychological consequences, anxiety and depression, having low self-esteem, bullying and teasing, stigmatization and ostracizing and other untold emotional problems. In order to avoid negative consequences and implications arising from obesity, necessary preventive actions must start during early phases of life. Without intervention, obese children will likely continue to be obese during adulthood. Obesity is preventable by supportive policy making, environments, schools and communities, regular physical activity and by increasing awareness. Keywords: Childhood obesity, psychological effects, anxiety, depression, policy, awareness