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New Obesity Research Study Ties Low Child and Teen Self-Esteem to Obesity

We all know how much pressure there is in school to look attractive and most of that attractiveness comes from being slim. The rapidly rising rates of childhood and teen obesity are leading to higher rates of low-self esteem amongst youth in our nation. Many an obesity research study has been done on this matter but what you may not know is that parents also play a large role in building strong self-esteem in their children, regardless of weight. On top of being damaging to self-esteem, childhood and adolescent obesity can lead to a series of health problems that put a hamper on quality of life.

How Parents Can Promote their Children's Good Self-Image

The way teens and children feel about themselves is often shaped by their parents, according to obesity research studies. Parents need to tell their children that they are loved and make them feel important, regardless of how much they weigh. Obese children and teens know they have a problem and parents need to be there for them by listening to their concerns and questions.

Childhood Obesity Affects both Physical and Emotional Health

According to diabetes obesity research, a large percentage of young, obese people are already showing signs of type II diabetes. Having diabetes severely affects quality of life, needless to say, thus maintaining good health is also important to having high self-esteem. This makes preventing and treating obesity all the more important.

Children suffer physical ailments, have trouble playing sports, and get teased when they are obese. Obesity research studies show that along with diabetes, other physical ailments suffered by obese children include fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and orthopedic problems. These health ailments mean that obese children are more likely to miss school although in this case factors like teasing also come into play.

One of the biggest challenges of the 21st century will be to combat childhood obesity. Obesity research studies about children share a common goal; scientists and researchers want to find a way to effectively treat and prevent childhood obesity. The detrimental effects this disease has on children's health and self-esteem are largely underestimated. In order to improve the quality of life for many children, we need to encourage them to have a stronger sense of self regardless of how much they weigh and find ways to treat and prevent obesity to achieve better physical and emotional health.