The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Depression common among obese children City Pulse

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Monday, Nov 16, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Depression common among obese children City Pulse

Aparna Alluri

Weight consciousness, appearance and teasing by peers trigger it

HYDERABAD: Adolescent obesity is known to be accompanied by the child exhibiting the characteristics of an introvert. While many may see this only as a symptom, child psychiatrists say it is a problem in itself.

“They become reclusive because of low self esteem,” says Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy, child psychiatrist, Rainbow Hospitals. Increased consciousness about weight, appearance and teasing by peers are cited as triggers for depression among obese adolescents. “Even when they grow up, after they lose weight, the psychological impact continues to linger,” says Dr. Chakravarthy.

Common symptom

School refusal, a childhood psychiatric diagnosis among children is a common symptom of depression induced by obesity. “This happens because of the constant teasing. Even if they go to school, they avoid mingling with other children or taking part in any activity that highlights their weight. ” says Dr. Chakravarthy. They tend to withdraw from company too because they think of themselves as unattractive, doubting their own appeal.

Depression also often encourages substance abuse among teenagers. “Generally 60 per cent of adolescents are likely to take to drugs and alcohol. In the case of obese children, the number is almost 80 per cent,” says Dr. Chakravarthy. “This becomes a way of escaping the social stigma associated with being overweight. But substance abuse itself creates further depression.”

The result is a vicious cycle since depression destroys their motivations to lose weight. “Treating an obese child for depression is doubly difficult because one induces the other. As the child gets more depressed, he/she east more,” says Dr. Chakravarthy.

Parents’ role

He feels parents need to draw the child out and address overeating as a genuine problem. “They should highlight the child’s positive qualities and shift the focus from appearance.” Schools on the other hand pose a more difficult problem.

“Teachers need to be more sensitive and make the other children more aware. They have to work with the child ,” he says.

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