Weight influences self-esteem in young children because of social pressure

A study Girls shout out! Under ten and under pressure, published by Girlguiding UK and eating disorders charity beat, found girls associated being overweight with being bullied and sad, while families and friends make them feel happy and good about themselves. Girls as young as seven believe being slim and attractive will mean you are more happy, popular and successful.

Recommendations from the report include:

  • Building self-esteem
  • Don’t make negative comments about appearance/weight
  • Reassure (looks are not important)
  • Listen and take concerns seriously
  • Focus on feelings, find out what’s behind unhealthy eating
  • Bring experts into schools
  • Train all teachers and school nurses in self-esteem issues like eating disorders

The authors also suggest that primary schools teach children how the media airbrush photographs of stars.

This is rather sad news in the context of growing obesity among young and old alike. It suggests that those who lack self-esteem will either tend to anorexia and bolemia (to get thin) or overeating especially sweets and fatty foods (as a response to low self-esteem). This situation is the consequence of fantastic media and advertising exposure, poor role models in parents and schools and a lack of activities that help build self esteem, like sports, craft and music.

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