Stigma of Child Obesity

Would you like to help your child avoid the stigma of obesity? Create and maintain a Longevity Lifestyle. Get your own brain, body, and weight in the game and keep it there. Studies have shown that obesity does tend to stigmatize a child and not much has changed during the last 40 years. In 1961, Mickey Stunkard, an obesity research veteran, showed children drawings of healthy disabled and obese children and asked how much they liked them. The obese drawings were liked least of all. In 2001 the experiment was repeated and obese children were liked even less than before. Children observe their parents—even when it doesn’t look like they are watching. What you ‘say’ is not nearly as impactful as what you ‘do’ yourself. Do your child a favor and role-model your optimum weight. Your child will likely follow your lead and by maintaining an optimum weight, also be more likely to avoid serious illnesses such as diabetes type 2 and 3 and/or a shortened lifespan.