Medicalization of children
advantagesWhile there are no real advantages to being an obese child, or to having dangerously obese or overweight children in a society, there are advantages to knowing about Child Obesity in greater depth, and to the medicalization of children.
Advantages to Knowing More About Childhood Obesity 1. Knowledge is power: both to change the society and to inform children and parents. 2. We know more about the dangers of obesity: long term, short term, emotional and even related to academic performance. 3. We know more about the causes and complexity of obesity. 4. We know more about nutrition, healthy eating and healthy recreation and exercise habits. 5. We are beginning to know more about effective treatments. We know that shaming does not work, but we also know peer pressure does matter. We know that real change in diet and lifestyle that makes a difference usually only follows a change of attitude and decision on the part of the child. Advantages of Medicalization of Children 1. When we treat children medically, we can address their specific concerns and ailments from a pediatric perspective with more accuracy. 2. We have reduced child and infant mortality. 3. We can better address failure to thrive and other medical concerns related to malnutrition. 4. People--parents, society, children, educators--are more aware of the long and short term effects of obesity. They are more aware of the characteristics of a healthy child. “For the same reasons we don’t let kids drink or smoke and force them to go to school, we should also do our best to keep them at a healthy weight." |
DisadvantagesDid you know: that the emotional health problems are just as prevalent as physical health problems with in children dealing with obesity? Since the early 20th century, the government began intervening in child health matters with concentrated effort. Children’s health signifies embodied knowledge of dominant social values and national concerns. Today, we all can understand the significant negative effects that childhood obesity. Effects include: long and short term declining physical health, potential mental health problems, and even a hefty price tag for taxpayers.
As a global community, need to work to create a conversation about the effects of obesity and mental health. Dialogue can help change the cycle and will generate education about healthy active living. Change must come from society, but more importantly we have learned, from the children themselves. Emotional Health Problems include: - Low self- esteem and negative body image - Depression - Feeling judged - Being teased or bullied Although BMI (Body Mass Index) is one of the most important factors of measuring physical health, it does not include the measure a person’s quality of life. Many studies show that obese children measure lower on self-esteem scores related to physical self-perception and physical quality of life than non- obese children. We need to start not only addressing the physical side of childhood obesity but also the psychological contributors to obesity. Researchers point out that age is not a limiting factor when it comes to the psychological consequences of being considered obese person. "Overweight and obesity are terribly stigmatizing conditions, regardless of age, living as a member of a stigmatized group is stressful and can produce feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness." Bryner, 2010. Chart: Costs of obesity Canada |
Count the cost...
Over a lifetime, Childhood Obesity costs $19,000 per child.
When we start to compare a lifetime of medical costs of an obese child to those of a normal weight child, the cost difference is astronomical. “Reducing childhood obesity is a public health priority that has substantial health and economic benefits,” says lead author and Duke Global Health Institute faculty member Eric Andrew Finkelstein.
These estimates just start to show the financial consequences of inaction about this global issue. (Over a Lifetime).
When we start to compare a lifetime of medical costs of an obese child to those of a normal weight child, the cost difference is astronomical. “Reducing childhood obesity is a public health priority that has substantial health and economic benefits,” says lead author and Duke Global Health Institute faculty member Eric Andrew Finkelstein.
These estimates just start to show the financial consequences of inaction about this global issue. (Over a Lifetime).
what can we do? Politics |
The government of Canada has been working to address childhood obesity but this problem cannot be changed overnight. The most important thing we can do is to help promote healthy eating, physical activity and healthy weight for all children while being careful not to promote blaming or stigmatizing. Not only is it important for education about physical health of our youth, it is equally important to raise awareness of the mental health affects obesity has on children. In fact, awareness of the mental health effects is the first step for change: with no child left out. |