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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Self-esteem changes in children enrolled in weight management programs
1Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. camer015@mc.duke.edu
Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing
|April 29, 2000
Summary
Weight management programs for children may negatively impact self-esteem, particularly concerning physical appearance. This study found decreased self-concept scores in children participating in these programs, with limited weight loss results.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Childhood Obesity Research
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern.
- Weight management programs aim to improve health outcomes in obese children.
- The psychological impact of these programs on children's self-esteem is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in self-esteem among school-aged children participating in a weight management program.
- To compare self-esteem changes in children in a weight management program versus a control group of obese children not in a program.
Main Methods:
- A study group of 54 obese children (ages 10-15) in a weight management program was compared to a control group of 60 obese children.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight were measured for all participants.
- The Pier-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale was administered at baseline and after 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in average weight or BMI were observed in either group after 12 weeks.
- The study group showed a significant decrease in self-concept scores, while the control group did not.
- The most substantial score changes in the study group were on the physical appearance subscale.
Conclusions:
- Participation in weight management programs may be associated with a decline in children's self-esteem.
- Weight management programs demonstrated limited efficacy in weight loss for this cohort.
- Further research is needed to understand the psychological risks and optimize interventions for obese children.
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