New research has shown that childhood low self esteem can lead to being overweight as an adult. In 1970 6,500 participants were questioned about their self-esteem.
The children had their weight and height measured by nurses and then self reported the same details until they were 30. They also noted their emotional states.
Now they have been tracked down and weighed and the results showed that the children with lower self-worth tended to be fatter as adults. This was especially true for girls, while overall those who felt less in control of their lives, who worried often and who were unconfident in themselves were more likely to gain weight over the 20 years.
The researchers were from Kings College London and lead researcher Professor David Collier said of the results that they showed while obesity is regarded as a metabolic, medical disorder, emotional issues are also a risk factor. He added that the emotional problems experienced were not deep-seated, but rather anxiety and self-esteem issues within the normal range.
Another member of the team, Andrew Ternouth said that new government strategies to promote social and emotional aspects of learning and promote self-esteem were likely to have positive benefits physically as well as in other aspects of a child’s development.