"Psychosocial Impact of Childhood Obesity" Glass Half Full Review

 https://glasshalffullot.com/podcast/psychosocial-impact-of-childhood-obesity/

"Psychosocial Impact of Childhood Obesity" Glass Half Full Review

    I recently listened to Glass Half Full OT Podcast "Psychosocial Impact of Childhood Obesity." There are wide variety of complications when it comes to obesity in adolescence. This podcast focused on the psychosocial obstacles. It was very informing and here are some things that I learned.

    Brittany Savier, OTD, stated that 17% (children ages 2-19 years old) meet criteria of being obese according to the CDC. The CDC also stated that the current generation of children are predicted to have a shorter life span than their parents. This statement is astonishing to me because even though their parents weren't children very long ago, there have been many technological advances since the children's parents were kids. Are the 'technological advances' the ones to blame? 

There are 6 psychosocial overarching themes. As you will see, these themes feed into each other. 

1. Self esteem issues: This is when the children see themselves as lesser beings due to their weight. This can lead to depression, social anxiety, and even decreased quality of life. 

2. Body dissatisfaction: When they are so unhappy with how they look, it spills over into other aspects of their life. It can lead to binge eating, overall negative moods, and anxiety. 

3. Suicidal thoughts: When the negativity seems too much. Overweight children have more of these thoughts and even attempts. This theme was really surprising and saddening for me. It is so disheartening to think of children thinking this way about themselves. This theme plays into the next one. 

4. Bullying: Peer victimization - "The experience among children of being a target of aggressive behavior of other children, who are not siblings and not necessarily age-mates." 

5. Attitudinal barriers: Society's perception of children who are overweight, not just other children. This is usually unfair judgement toward these children. They often get less leadership opportunities. One study found that these children grew up to be weight biassed and wanted to only wanted to work with occupational therapists who are also overweight to make them more comfortable.

6. Social exclusion: These children often have less friendships due to discrimination. This attributes to occupational deprivation since they are not getting these core occupational needs as a child.  

"What came first? The chicken or the egg?" 

With bullying comes depression and anxiety that can lead to children eating more for comfort, resulting in obesity, and on the flip side, being overweight causes more bullying to the children. An atrocious cycle.

Where to Start Change? 

    We can start by looking at interventions on an individual level and population level. We need to create an attitude shift towards children who are overweight by using the body positivity movement. We also should use Modeling of Behavior: this is having adults model these behaviors of body positivity. We may also have to have a prevention level approach, however, reframing the public's thinking and shifting perception should minimize psychosocial influences. 

As Occupational Therapists

    We should facilitate a change by supporting children and their families. See how children do in their everyday occupations (not necessarily just diet and exercise) and then provide behavior changes needed. Broaden what you view as an OT in their lives by having holistic activity analysis. See where change may be needed in their whole life not just physical. Look into their home, family, school environment.  

Empower these children!

CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE!!