The Effects of Fat on Children

It's no secret that obesity is a problem in modern culture. Convenience foods and sedentary lifestyles

have taken their toll. Unfortunately, the decisions of hasty adults are compromising the health of

children. Some of the effects on children are social problems, self esteem deficits, poor eating habits

and poor exercise habits.

Social Problems

• The "us versus them" mentality develops early for children. Physical traits are the easiest thing for

  children to pick on. In addition to the aesthetic attributes of the obese child, they are often ostracized for being ineffective in physical tasks. The child internalizes and normalizes this treatment, which

  can be damaging to their ability to relate to others for the rest of their lives.

Self-Esteem Deficits

• The reward system for children is simple. When they feel a sense of accomplishment or acceptance,

  the behavior is reinforced. In the same way, bad feelings are normalized, if reinforced. The self

  perpetuating cycle of disengagement because of a lack of fulfillment, further separation from

  the "group", and therefore further disengagement is damaging to the way a child feels about their self.

Poor Eating Habits

• Children learn what types of food to eat through convention. They will eat what is put in front of

  them before starving. They will also happily eat foods that are bad for them. Upon acquiring the taste

  for unhealthy food, it becomes more difficult to shed the habit. When eating junk foods, the child's

  physiology is changed as well, with their stomach stretching and making it possible to consume even

  more calories. If a modest diet is never learned, a modest diet will never be realized.

Poor Exercise Habits

• Children like doing what they are good at. They don't like doing what they are not good at. When

  children develop a distaste for exercise, it affects their exercise habits for life. Exercise is not only

  a method of burning calories, but induces the release of endorphins. Endorphins make adults and

  children feel good, which re-enforces the behavior. Without these habits established, the obese child

  will not be rewarded for good behavior and further perpetuate the cycle.