Psychological Issues Faced By Overweight Teens

Physical health and well being are the last issues
concerning most overweight teens.
Much more significant is the teasing and abuse, both verbal
and physical, they endure from their peers at school
and in their neighborhoods,
as well as often at home by their siblings.
For many, it is not be only what others
think of them that is distressing, but what
they may think of themselves. A large
percentage of teenagers (particularly girls) are
considered clinically depressed because they are so
preoccupied with their weight. The media does not help as
nearly every model or actress you see,
is usually quite thin.

Evidence is mounting regarding just how much
pressure is being placed on obese teenagers. A
recent survey revealed that these kids rate their
quality of life as low as that of young
cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
There are other studies suggesting
increased rates of depression, low self
esteem and isolation from their peer group,
resulting in behavioral problems
in some. These studies also suggest that obese teenagers
are less likely to be
accepted into higher education or to get
married, and are more likely to be part of the
lower socioeconomic groups.

Many overweight teenagers are extremely
hard on themselves, and are often mistreated by
others. A study carried out in 2001 by Latner and
Stunkard finds that this situation, rather than
improving, has steadily grown worse.

Often, those teens who are overweight can potentially suffer
from several other health problems as well, including cardiovascular,
orthopedic, gastrointestinal, respiratory,
hormonal, neurological and metabolic diseases
(diabetes). These can often increase
psychological problems, and may require
assistance from a trained
professional to address them.

Today in the United States, there are residential weight loss
programs for children and teens,
combining psychological therapy with behaviorial
therapy in order to improve the teens' self esteem
as well as their physical health.

As you can see, obesity increases both physical
and psychological problems. For teenagers, who are concerned
with acceptance by their peer groups and searching
for self-identity, this is a very sensitive issue that
needs to be handled delicately.

Learn how to help your
teenagers lose weight safely, while keeping their self-esteem intact.