Obesity In Schools
Obesity Rate Has Tripled for Ages 6-17 in Past 30 Years
Half of North American students will weigh too much by 2010 if present trends continue. What are some of the student issues when children are overweight?
Physical Problems
- Finding clothes that fit properly for school is a challenge. Students often come to school with adult clothes cut down to size. Clothes with Sponge Bob and other characters don’t come in larger sizes.
- Recess and P.E. classes are more challenging because of the running required and other physical activities.
- Desks are often too small or tight. Needing a larger desk is embarrassing to the student and causes attention to the child by being different.
- Lowered life expectancy, heart disease, more prone to diabetes, and other health issues.
Research
KidsHealth.org has reviewed a study on obesity. Yale University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa reviewed information about childhood obesity gathered over the past 40 years.
The study found that overweight children are prone to prejudice from
- Peers
- Teachers
- Parents
The research also discovered that overweight children are often
- Prone to low self-esteem, depression, and suicidal thoughts
- Teased, bullied, or rejected by peers (even as early as preschool)
- More likely to develop unhealthy dieting habits and eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia [health.com, September 7, 2007]
Stigma
The effect of obesity goes far beyond the elementary years. Researchers state that the discrimination against heavy individuals is very real and should be considered as serious as race discrimination. Obese individuals are less likely to be hired and promoted in the world of work.
And, another recent study shows that overweight girls are less likely to go to college than their slimmer peers.
What Can Be Done?
- Eliminate soft drinks. These empty calories are consumed far too often by young children.
- Get more exercise. Our society sits too much and walks too little. Inquire how much time is spent at recess and P.E. classes at your school.
- Teach and model healthy eating. Have healthy food available for snacking instead of junk foods. Say no to seconds yourself.
- Rewards. Reward children with items other than food. While food is an easy way to support wanted behavior, find alternative methods to encourage children. Activities and special time with an adult can be far more supportive.
- Have zero tolerance for bullying. Bullying has life-long implications and should not be accepted at school or in the home.
- Stress the positives and never emphasize weak areas.
- Don’t wait until middle school or high school. The sooner a child’s weight can be normalized, the better.
- Find a strength area. This can be a hobby, a job or a church activity.
- Provide affection and attention. Home should be a place where children should feel loved and secure. It should not be a battle ground about weight.
Source: "Stigma, Obesity, and the Health of the Nation’s Children," Psychological Bulletin, July 2007.
Related articles: Cutting, Bullies Can Be Girls
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
