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The effects of weight management programs on self-esteem in pediatric overweight populations
Kelly Walker Lowry1, Bethany J Sallinen, David M Janicke
1Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, 101 South Newell Dr., Room #3151, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
Objective:
Review published findings on self-esteem and pediatric overweight, and changes in self-esteem subsequent to weight management programs.
Methods:
We used PsycInfo and MedLine searches to identify peer-reviewed journal articles examining self-esteem changes following participation in weight management programs.
Results:
Data regarding the relationship between self-esteem and obesity is mixed. Factors that place overweight children "at-risk" for low self-esteem include early adolescence, female gender, identification with majority cultural standards of body shape, exposure to teasing and peer victimization, a history of greater parental control over feeding, and internal attributions about weight status. Data from intervention studies suggest positive effects on self-esteem across settings. Components related to self-esteem improvements include weight change, parent involvement, and group intervention format.
Conclusions:
Well-designed, longitudinal studies using multidimensional measures of self-esteem, and following CONSORT guidelines are needed to confirm and expand these findings. Emphasis should be placed on examining mediators and moderators of self-esteem change.
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