Title: Preserving Body Image and SelfEsteem Among Overweight Youngsters Joanne Ikeda, MA, RD University of
1Preserving Body Image and Self-Esteem Among
Overweight YoungstersJoanne Ikeda, MA,
RDUniversity of California Extension Nutrition
SpecialistDec. 10, 2004 FNEP ITVUniversity of
Missouri-Columbia
2Body Image
- Internal representation of your own outer
appearance your own unique perception of your
body. - (Thompson, Exacting Beauty, APA, 2002)
3Body Satisfaction
- Satisfaction with various aspects of ones body
such as waist, hips, thighs, breasts, hair, etc. - (Thompson, Exacting Beauty, APA, 2002)
4Self-Esteem
- Self-esteem is how much a person likes, accepts,
and respects himself overall as a person.
5Body Dissatisfaction
- Discontent/disappointment with various aspects of
ones body.
6How Common is Body Dissatisfaction Among
Children ofAll Sizes in 3rd to 6th grade?
- 45 wanted to be thinner
- 37 had tried to lose weight
- 7 scored in anorexia nervosa range
7Dieting is considered one indication of body
dissatisfaction in children.
8How Common is Dieting Among Children in
US?National Study of 10,000 youngsters
- 41 of Caucasian children
- 40 of Asian children
- 33 of Hispanic children
- 22 of Black children
9 Our Society Promotes Body Dissatisfaction and
Dieting
10Who Promotes Body Dissatisfaction in Children and
Teenagers?
- Teen Magazines
- TV Shows
- Movies
- Peers
- Teachers
- Parents
11Body dissatisfaction is the most consistent
predictor of the onset of eating
disturbances. (Thompson, Exacting Beauty, APA,
2002)
12Body Dissatisfaction has a negative impact on
self-esteem, especially among overweight
youngsters.
13few problems in childhood have as significant an
impact on emotional well-being as being
overweight.
- Strauss Pollack, Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 2003
14Promoting Body Satisfaction and High Self-Esteem
in Children and Teenagers
15Point out that human bodies come in a wide range
of sizes and shapes and that there is no
perfect body size and shape.
16 Celebrate differences in body size and shape
among children and adults.
17Never imply that there is something wrong with a
childs body no matter what size it is.
18Promoting Body Satisfaction and High Self-Esteem
- Challenge media images of the perfect body.
19Want to Be a Teen Vogue IT GIRL?
- Staying up on the latest trends in fashion and
beauty is an absolute must for me! - I consider myself to be a leader
- I secretly (or not so secretly) love to be the
center of attention - Other people look to me for advice on clothes,
cosmetics and style
20(No Transcript)
21Talk About What Characteristics We Value in Our
Friends
- Listens to me when I talk about my
- problems and concerns.
- Cares about me.
- Enjoys doing the things I like to do.
- Is there for me when I need a friend.
- Doesnt tell others my secrets.
22Promoting Body Satisfaction and High Self-Esteem
- Advocate demonstrate respect for the bodies
of others as well as your own body
23Model Body Acceptance and Body Satisfaction
- Make positive comments about your own body and
the bodies of others. - Do not make negative comments about your own body
or the bodies of others - Verbalize your own rejection of the
- thin, perfect body
24Believe that discriminating against someone
based on their body size is wrong.
25 Take a Stance Against Size Discrimination
- Speak up when you see it or hear it
- Encourage adults to take action if a child is
bullied, teased, or discriminated against because
of body size. - Tell parents not to allow anyone to tease or
harass a child about his/her weight.
26How to deal with overweight/obesity. Focus on
behaviors NOT weight
- Soda consumption
- Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
- Fast Food and Snack Food
- Time spent in active play
- Time spent watching TV
27Set Behavioral Goals Not Weight Goals
- Limit TV watching/computer game playing to 2
hours per day - Play actively for 60 minutes every day do
something that you enjoy - Walk or bike to and from school
28Set Behavioral Goals Not Weight Goals
- Drink low fat or nonfat milk at meals instead of
soft drink. - Limit soft drink consumption to one 12 ounce can
a day or less. - Eat 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables
- Limit fast food meals to 1-2 per week
29Discourage Restricted Calorie Dieting in Children
or Teenagers
30Impacts of Dieting on Childrens Health Physical
well being
- Risk of stunting growth in height
- Lower bone density
- Delayed puberty
- Poor nutrient intake
- Fatigue
- Obesity
31Impact of Dieting on Childrens Health
Psychological well being
- Preoccupation with food and eating
- Sneaking and hiding food
- Body dissatisfaction, poor self-esteem
- Eating disorders
32Impact of Dieting on Childrens HealthSocial
well being
- Subject to size discrimination by adults
- Teased, harassed, and rejected by peers
- Apt to become socially isolated
33Does Dieting Help Children Achieve Healthy
Weights?
34- A Stanford study that followed 692 females from
9th through 12th grade found that increased
dieting and radical weight loss efforts predicted
greater subsequent growth in relative weight and
increased risk of obesity. - Stice et al, J Consult Clin Psychol,1999
35- Study by Harvard Medical School assessed weight
change of frequent dieters compared to those who
never dieted. - Over 10,000 youngsters ages 9 to 14 followed for
2 years. - Regardless of their calories, fat, CHO, or their
physical activity or inactivity, the frequent
dieters were more likely to become overweight
than those who never dieted.
36Diagnosis and treatment of childhood overweight
is the responsibility of the medical profession,
it not our responsibility.
- ?Examine childs growth history over time
- ?Consider weight of biological parents and close
relatives - ?Conduct examination of child for medical
problems associated with overweight - ?Recommend and provide/refer for treatment
-
37Our responsibility is
- To help children and adults eat nutritious diets
and be physically active. - To help create environments that promote eating
nutritious diets and being physically active.
38Promote Body Satisfaction, a Positive Body Image,
and High Self-esteem for All Adults and Children.
39Recognize that the best way to decrease
overweight is to create environments that
promote healthy lifestyles in families.
40Believe that the vast majority of parents love
their children and are committed to fostering
their health and welfare.
41Know that our children are our future and we are
strongly committed to caring for them and
creating a world in which they can thrive.