Researchers surveyed 1,520 children, ages 9–10, with a four year follow up and discovered a positive correlation between obesity and low self esteem in the four year follow up. They also discovered that decreased self esteem led to 19% of obese children feeling sad, 48% of them feeling bored, and 21% of them feeling nervous. In comparison, 8% of normal weight children felt sad, 42% of them felt bored, and 12% of them felt nervous.^[1] Stress can influence a child's eating habits. Researchers tested the stress inventory of 28 college females and discovered that those who were binge eating had a mean of 29.65 points on the perceived stress scale, compared to the control group who had a mean of 15.19 points.^[2] This evidence may demonstrate a link between eating and stress.

Obese children often suffer from teasing amongst their peers.^[3][4] Some are even harassed or discriminated against by their own family.^[5] Stereotypes abound and may lead to low self esteem and depression.^[6]

Obesity can be responsible for lowering an individual’s views on themselves as well as their self-respect. Sweeting et al., conducted a test on children ages 11 and 15. 2127 students were surveyed on who was obese, who needed to slim down, and who was becoming obese. Of these students 9.6% of males and 10.5% of females were considered obese at age 11. At age 15 10.5% of males and 11.6% of females were obese. 3.5% of the total students surveyed needed to slim down and 4.5% are becoming obese. The test revealed that obesity has a great effect on changing moods and lowering of self-esteem. ^[7]

References