Psychological Effects of Obesity

In the United States alone, the psychological effect of obesity is a serious issue that should be dealt with. More children, teens and adults are becoming overweight at a much earlier age than in the past 5 decades. Obesity brings with it the numerous other diseases from bone & joint problems to respiratory and Type 2 diabetes. It has been noted that once a person begins to lose weight these health risks and problems significantly decrease and in some cases disappear completely.

One of the obvious side effects of obesity that is rarely mentioned is the psychological effects of obesity and what comes with it. Recent studies have established that even although a person manages to lose the weight in their adults years, the psychological damage from being an obese child can still be, in most cases present. Children who are obese tend to have serious self esteem issues and less self confidence in social situations than their generally healthy peers. In many cases obese children will try to avoid gym classes because of shame or embarrassment of their appearance.

To add to the pain obese children endure concerning their poor body images is the teasing they tend to have to endure at school and in many other social settings with their peers. In many cases obese children will go as far as skipping school or even drop out in order to avoid the teasing they get head on.

In recent years it was believed that overweight or obese people were compulsive eaters, depressed, under stress, anxious or trying to over compensate for deficiencies they felt they had in their lives. Today however, almost everyone seems to be getting heavier and obesity has become a national issue. Both obesity experts and the public at large are dismissing the idea that weight gain is nothing but a personal or emotional problem.

With the obvious abundance of overweight people there is plenty of room for exceptions. Many researchers suggests that people who are depressed are more likely to develop the metabolic syndrome that will often accompany excess weight. People may console themselves with "comfort food", which is usually high in fat, sugar, and calories because they are anxious, lonely, angry, or suffering from low self-esteem.

There is also a type of depression that has symptoms that may include lethargy or overeating. As with most mind & body interactions obesity can generally lead to ill health which in turn is linked to case of depression and/or anxiety.

One of the best ways to conquer obesity to is to first acknowledge the situation and then to get help from a professional. One shouldn't hesitate getting help regarding their situation.

Obesity should not be tolerated. No one should suffer through the effects of obesity in alone or in silence. Obesity is an serious & severe illness where there is nothing to be ashamed of. People should come to the understanding that obesity is not only a result of over eating. There are too many factors that can contribute to obesity and anyone experiencing the psychological effects of obesity should seriously consider speaking to a professional.