Body weight, being a physical aspect of health, means
that being overweight or obese poses significant physical health concerns for
youth. Obesity has shown to increase the risk of type II
diabetes (see diabetes) and contributes to the risk of developing CVD (see
cardiovascular disease). With excess weight surrounding vital organs, being
overweight or obese places a large amount of pressure on the developing body to
work properly and efficiently. Overtime, this can lead to decrease functioning
of bodily systems such as the immune and circulatory systems, decreased ability to carry out daily activities due to low
energy levels caused by malnutrition, and increased blood pressure due to the impact that obesity has on the heart. As a result of a poor diet,
obesity can also contribute to the build of plaque on the artery walls, causing
high levels of blood cholesterol.
Obesity poses significant risk to the health of youth and can impact upon a variety of social factors, thus affecting their social health and wellbeing. Due to their appearance, youth who are overweight or obese can experience what is known as social marginalization. Social marginalization occurs when individuals are excluded from events or activities because others believe that they are not capable of carrying out a certain task. For example, youth who are overweight or obese may be excluded from events involving physical activity such as a park fun-run because their friends do not believe they are capable of doing it.
This can not only lead to a loss of friends, but also contributing to embarrassment and poor self-esteem, thus affecting their mental health. In turn individuals may develop a low self-esteem and poor self-concept of themselves, which can lead to depression.
Obesity poses significant risk to the health of youth and can impact upon a variety of social factors, thus affecting their social health and wellbeing. Due to their appearance, youth who are overweight or obese can experience what is known as social marginalization. Social marginalization occurs when individuals are excluded from events or activities because others believe that they are not capable of carrying out a certain task. For example, youth who are overweight or obese may be excluded from events involving physical activity such as a park fun-run because their friends do not believe they are capable of doing it.
This can not only lead to a loss of friends, but also contributing to embarrassment and poor self-esteem, thus affecting their mental health. In turn individuals may develop a low self-esteem and poor self-concept of themselves, which can lead to depression.