Stigma of Child Obesity

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 children and of 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. The obese children are at higher risk of serious illnesses such as diabetes type 2 and 3 and/or a shortened lifespan. In addition, children who are obese in childhood are at much higher risk of being obese in adulthood, with a potentially shortened lifespan.  When you feel overwhelmed with raising a family, it’s easy to get in the habit of serving snacks and less-than-healthy junk food—because it is fast and easy. It is not healthy. You can gradually made different and healthier choices. More tomorrow.