Obesity has social, psychological and emotional penalties. Our society illustrates emphasis on being thin and skinny, with models strutting at the runway looking like walking pogo sticks, and nice looking clothes paraded around that can only fit petite figures add to that a variety of misapprehensions and misconceptions about being overweight and of obesity in general. In this regard, children who are obese are often treated differently that their more slimmer and thinner peers.
They can be subjected to intense teasing and ridicule many times over and this may be considered as the most demoralizing effect of being obese as a child, and which may even persist into adulthood. One should consider that obese children may feel cut off and forlorn, different from their peers and not in a good way. This can lead to a low self-esteem and identity problems that can lead to several other problems.
It is vital that one is sensitive with regards to the subject matter of obesity and to understand that an individual’s self-assurance, especially that of a child’s, is ultimately affected by self-image and awareness of shown by their peers. Curing Obesity One can note that in children it is quite rare for obesity therapy to focus on having the child lose weight but rather it is more focused on halting gaining weight process in order to let the child grow into the ideal weight for his child over a period of time.
It was projected that for every 20 percent of excess weight, a year and a half is needed in order for the child to attain the ideal weight. (Dietz, 1983). When dealing with obesity the family is recommended to be involved with the treatment program, in this regard the family must also be ready for changes that will include them, changes in diet or physical activities, habits and norms of the family may also be changed if an intervention program for an obese child is to work.
The family that is not ready for inevitable changes that will occur it is best to consult a qualified therapist in order for them to realize the ramifications and consequences of being in a program to control obesity. Physical, mental and emotional preparation is needed by the whole family before any intervention program can be facilitated (ExRx. net). Treatment should involve permanent changes, not short term diets or exercise regimens aimed at rapid weight loss.
Small, gradual, and targeted changes in activity and diet should be implemented. A flexible and a balanced approach to eating and exercise should be encouraged. A program for overweight children should reduce the rate of body weight gain while allowing growth and development. As a parent One must realize that a child who is overweight is easily discouraged and more subjected to teasing in school so it is important to educate the parents to deal with their overweight children to avoid self discrimination and hatred (Litchfield et al, 2004).
One of the most important aspect of a child dealing with weight issues is self doubt and self worth, it is important to always reassure the child that he/she is loved and loved wholeheartedly even if they are overweight, it is also important for parents not to dwell on the weight, avoiding special treatment/consideration given to an overweight child is also essential, the child must realize that he or she is not different from others specially siblings.
A parent should also be the role model for their child, healthy eating and general healthy habits done by the parent and taught to the child is more effective than any diet program and last but not the least, a parent should be a part of their child’s life, involvement equals concern, concern equal love seen through the eyes of the child. Practically speaking, parents who are aware of their child’s whereabouts and set of friends and have set and clear rules regarding eating, leisure and general habits shows their children to be healthy mentally and physically.
Researchers also suggest that when both parents are physically active, the child is six times more possibly to be physically active. If one parent routinely eats elevated fat provisions, the child is two times as apt to be overweight. If two parents are apt to eat high fat foods, the child is three to six times more likely to be overweight or obese (Understanding Childhood Obesity Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 1999). The following are suggestions that can help individuals and families to better control obesity.