How childhood obesity can affect your child

Childhood overweight and obesity are problems that are increasing and affect many children in the world, with consequences on their physical and mental health. Obesity generates a social perception of rejection and this has a strong impact on minors. Many studies have shown that overweight or obese people are discriminated against by society. But the situation is more complicated when it comes to children who are only now beginning to build their social relationships. And discrimination begins from childhood. Consequences of childhood obesity A new study carried out by the School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) revealed that overweight and obese children have more non-reciprocal and rival friendships, are excluded and have little acceptance by their peers. On the other hand, they also reject more classmates than their slim peers. Researchers assure that these negative relationships have mental, social and physical consequences. Some of them are the exclusion and rejection that these children experience, which increases the chances of loneliness, depression, bad eating habits and illnesses. Evidence shows that overweight children are 1.7 times more likely to be disliked by their peers and 1.2 times more likely to be disliked by their peers. Data show that one in 5 children is obese and that the prevalence of childhood obesity is highest among Latino children, at 22%, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study’s researchers say loneliness can create a vicious cycle for children with overweight. weight. The solution Learning to educate our children with greater acceptance and tolerance towards their peers is a primary task to avoid a greater impact on their development. But even more important is that we, as parents, do something now to solve or avoid the problem of obesity in our children. Most of the time childhood obesity is the result of bad habits that we as parents do not correct or instill in time. Some of the small problems that lead to obesity are: Bad eating habits, sleep schedules, choice of snacks and exercise. Over the years, obesity becomes a great threat to the health of our children. We are in time to reverse childhood obesity and save our children. Let’s start with ourselves. Eating healthy is a good start. If you want more information on nutrition and health topics, or need advice to find the healthiest eating plan to help you lose weight, click here.