Support For Obese Children
BBC News, 11th October 2009
The latest studies of clinically obese children show their lack of knowledge about the ways of weight-loss. What’s more, they don’t get enough support from school, parents or health centers to overcome their problem.
An obesity expert said obese children should be offered a better service in their fight with weight-loss.
The research was carried out by Carnegie Weight Management program in Leads. 100 clinically obese children aged 8 to 17 took part in it.
Professor Paul Gateley, who leaded the program, said it was the first time obese children were asked their views about their problem.
The majority of children (59%) thought the main raison of their problem was eating too much, in general. Only 29% saw eating too much junk food as the cause of being obese. Most children (60%) considered surgery as cheating and they thought there were easier ways to lose weight.
Professor Gateley said children should know more about weight-loss surgery in order not to reject it and not consider it as dangerous.
Another problem is lack of support with weight problems. As many as 60% of the children felt they didn’t get any support at all. 42% of them admitted being bullied because of how they looked like.
“Across the board, school is not helping them sort their weight out – the food is problematic, the exercise is inappropriate for them and the bullying culture against them is not addressed,” professor Gateley said.
58% of the children were afraid they won’t be able to pursue their dream career because of their size, as well as getting a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Professor Gateley confirmed that obese people don’t have the same chances – US studies show they are less likely to get married and might be less paid for the same job.
The conclusion of the research is that more weight-loss services for children is needed. The young people are not offered enough support and very often are left on their own with their problems.
