Self-esteem and quality of life in obese children and adolescents: A systematic review

Abstract

Although an increasing number of children and adolescents are becoming obese, the psychological morbidities associated with obesity are not well established. Existing reviews report modest associations between obesity and global self-esteem. However, none have examined how this affects multi-component assessments of self-esteem and quality of life in young people with defined obesity. A literature search identified 17 self-esteem and 25 quality of life studies of cross-sectional, longitudinal or intervention design published since 1994. Child-completed and parent-proxy assessments were consistent in showing significant reductions in global self-esteem and quality of life in obese youth. Competences particularly affected were physical competence, appearance and social functioning. There were no clear differences in effects between children and adolescents, and evidence on gender and ethnicity was lacking. Competency improvements occurred in the presence and absence of weight loss, suggesting their value as intervention outcomes and the need for further investigation.

Late pregnancy reversal from excessive gestational weight gain lowers risk of childhood overweight-A cohort study

“…Childhood overweight is associated with serious consequences for health and well-being both during childhood years and in adulthood (3)(4)(5)(6)(7). Effective early preventive strategies are therefore urgently needed.…”

Biopsychosocial Model of Dietary Restraint in Early Adolescent Boys

“…High self-esteem has been associated with numerous positive outcomes, such as overall psychosocial adjustment (Griffiths, Parsons, & Hill, 2010). Researchers (e.g., Baumeister, 2011;Bois et al, 2000;Crocker & Luhtanen, 2003;Turner, 2010) have posited that individuals determine their self-esteem by comparing their attributes (e.g., physical appearance) to their self-standards (e.g., internalized societal appearance norms).…”

Qualidade de vida de cuidadores de crianças e adolescentes com sobrepeso ou obesidade

“…A study carried out in 2005 found negative results in treatment for these children (2) , while another carried out in 2008 (7) , showed favorable treatment results, reducing harm for quality of life. Better knowledge on patients and family members' psychosocial demands may contribute to more effective health actions (8) .…”

“…Immediate morbidities (hepatic steatosis, sleep apnea, slipped capital femoral epiphysis and type 2 diabetes) can occur in overweight and obese children and adolescents (1) . Psychosocial repercussions, however, such as low self-esteem (2) , stigmatization and compromised quality of life, are the most significant in the short term (1) . The increase in the Body Mass Index (BMI) is inversely proportional to children and adolescents' quality of life (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8) .…”