Obesity is defined as an excessively high amount of body fat in relation to lean body mass. Today, many cases of obesity is being noticed in school. Overweight means increased body weight in relation to height, when compared to some standard of acceptable or desirable weight.
The most immediate consequence of obesity among children is social discrimination and low-self-esteem. Society, culture, and the media has powerful messages sent to children about body weight and shape ideals. For girls, “being thin is in” and an urging to diet and exercise. For boys, emphasize a muscular, “6 packs” body and pressure to body build. Gender has not been identified as a specific risk factor for obesity in children but the pressure upon girls to be thin may contribute in taking them at greater risk for developing eating disordered behaviors and or related mood symptoms. As for boys, while society presents a numerous range of acceptable body images, they are still at risk for developing disordered eating and body image disturbances.
It is important for obese children to be medically evaluated thoroughly. It could be there are underlying physical cause to the obesity. The impact of being obese in the learning capacity of individuals could be that it can lower their self-esteem and could pose risks of not doing well in school.
They can be the target for bullying, too. This poses more risks then to increased absenteeism and worse, not performing well during classes. As teachers, it is crucial to be mindful of situations like this. It is not only the academic performance of the child which you are to be cautious of but his/her over-all health and well-being.
Reducing the number of calories being eaten and to increase the child’s level of physical activity can help. Make sure you encourage the child to eat healthy and avoid fatty and sugary snacks to a minimum and keep fruits, vegetables and low-fat snacks available.
Also, it is very imperative that you let the child know he or she is loved and appreciated whatever his or her weight. Be understanding and help the child understand his/her problem. There are instances when an overweight child does not know he/she has a weight problem. They need support, acceptance, and encouragement from parents, teachers, and peers. Be a good role model, too, by letting the child see you enjoying healthy foods and physical activity.
References:
Childhood Obseity Facts. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm on June 15, 2014.
Riccairdelli, L.A., McCabe, M.P., Banfield, S (2002).Body image and body change methods in adolescent boys: Role of parents, friends and the media, Journal of Psychosomatic Research , 49 (3):189-197.
Schwimmer, J.B., Burwinkle, T.M and Varni, J.W., (2003), Health-Related Quality of Life of Severely Obese Children and Adolescents, JAMA 289: 1813-1819 .
By: MARIA MAY S. FORIO | MT-I | BEPZ Elementary School | Mariveles, Bataan
