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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Childhood obesity: effects on children's participation, mental health, and psychosocial development
Michael A Pizzi1, Kerryellen Vroman
1Long Island University-Brooklyn and Founder/Executive Director, Touching Humanity Inc., Brooklyn, New York 11201, USA. s.bazyk@csuohio.edu
Insights
Childhood obesity impacts psychosocial development, leading to issues like weight bias and victimization. This paper highlights these overlooked challenges and proposes a framework for support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Psychosocial Development
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing concern with significant impacts on development.
- Existing research often prioritizes physical health and motor function in obese children.
- Psychosocial challenges faced by overweight children are frequently underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical psychosocial sequelae of childhood obesity.
- To bring attention to issues such as weight bias and victimization.
- To introduce a conceptual framework for addressing these challenges.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on psychosocial aspects of childhood obesity.
- Conceptual analysis of existing frameworks.
- Discussion of a systems-based approach.
Main Results:
- Childhood obesity is linked to numerous psychosocial difficulties.
- Weight bias and victimization are significant issues for overweight children.
- A multifaceted approach is needed for effective intervention.
Conclusions:
- The psychosocial impact of childhood obesity requires greater attention.
- Occupational therapy can play a role in addressing these issues.
- A comprehensive systems framework is essential for supporting affected children.
Abstract:
Obesity and being overweight in a child significantly affects his or her healthy development hence there is an understandable focus in the occupational therapy literature on the physical health and difficulties in motor function related to obesity. However, this emphasis somewhat overshadows the psychosocial issues of growing-up obese or overweight. The objective of this paper is to apprise readers of the salient multiple psychosocial sequelae associated with childhood obesity including weight bias and victimization. A conceptual systems framework that supports a multifaceted approach to the occupational and developmental challenges on a population and/or individual level is discussed.
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