Savage Inequalities

Childhood Obesity has become an issue of concern in the last twenty five years. Today's society is constantly being reminded of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With statistics stating that obesity has increased in the past fifteen years by more than 50 per cent in 6- to 11-year-olds and by 40 per cent among 12- to 17-year-olds, it is vital that society realizes this is a serious concern. While the number of overweight children continues to increase in North America, professionals are beginning to issue some interesting facts regarding obesity. Here is some evidence that things have definitely changed: Firstly, today's size 10 was sold as a women's size 14 in the 1940's (Nifong, 1999). Secondly, a research team from York University and the University of Toronto calculated the economic costs of a largely sedentary population by examining seven diseases that are related to physical inactivity: chronic artery disease, stroke, hypertension, colon cancer, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. It was estimated that physical inactivity among Canadians cost $2.1 billion in 1999. ("Facts about Physical Inactivity and Childhood Obesity," n.d.) Lastly, data compiled by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada indicates that between 42 per cent and 63 per cent of obese school-aged children will become obese adults. ("Facts about Physical Inactivity and Childhood Obesity," n.d.)

While this issue may not have been of importance twenty years ago, today it is major concern. Even though there are many factors which contribute to a child reaching the point of obesity such as nutrition, social influences, age, class, genetics, etc., it is important to focus on the outcomes. The benefits of eating well and doing daily physical exercise do not only benefit one's heart and body, but they also extend to one's mind. Maintaining a healthy weight is detrimental to a child's overall self-esteem and school performance.

The importance of maintaining a healthy weight is not a new concept. Many educational pioneers such as John Locke, have stressed the importance of ensuring that a child's overall health is a top priority when it comes to his/her well-being.

He called attention to the importance of a child's physical and social environments, diet, and activities. Children should breathe fresh air, have plenty of sleep, eat nourishing and plain food, bathe frequently, exercise regularly, and have time for recreation and play. (Ornstein & Levine, 2006)

One must note the consequences that may arise when a child becomes obese and they continue to maintain an unhealthy lifestyle. While health problems may seem like the most obvious issue surrounding obesity, many do not consider the implications that it may cause towards a child's self-esteem and school performance.

Self-Esteem and Childhood Obesity

It is very evident to point out the decreasing energy levels of a child once they have reached obesity. Understanding how they feel about themselves is another story.

Nathaniel Branden, PhD. defined self-esteem as, "The disposition to experience oneself as being competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and of being worthy of

happiness." (Branden, 1969, p.35) Many theorists have stressed the importance of self-esteem and the role that it plays on one's life. Malsow has been credited in creating the theory of a hierarchy of needs which consists of five levels:

Self-Actualization

Esteem

Love/Belonging

Safety

Physiological

The theory states that the higher needs only come into focus once all the needs that are lower down in the pyramid are mainly or entirely satisfied. Malsow recognizes that humans have a need to be respected. People need to engage themselves to gain recognition and feel a sense of purpose and contribution in order to feel accepted in society. For children who are obese, this often becomes a problem because they do not feel happy about themselves. They are often critized at school and made to feel like failures.

The development of self-esteem in children is a cruical part towards their health and behaviour. "Social adjustment, activity engagement, goal direction and self-confidence, and the presence of anxiety are all elements in a child's development and functioning that are influenced by his/her self-esteem." (Bandura, 1986) It has also been proven that low self-esteem is linked to many issues. "Research has shown that low self-esteem is related to a variety of pyscological difficuties and personal problems, such as substance abuse, loneliness, academic failure, teenage pregnancy, and criminal behaviour." (Leary, 1999)

With today's demanding society constantly focused on one's beauty and appearance, it is easy for a child to feel unattractive. Thanks to the media, children are constantly focused on reaching these unattainable goals to look perfect. They feel the pressure to live up to the images that are presented and end up feeling worthless when they don't measure up. Students who are obese are prone to getting caught up in this "fantasy" because they have low self-esteem and want to fit in with the crowd.

It has often been debated as to whether good looking people get better treatment. Studies show that attractive children have more friends and are treated better by their teachers. Being obese often makes students prey for actions such as bullying, teasing and maltreatment. According to Crocker, Major and Steele, (1998), overweight individuals have a socially devalued identity. Children who are overweight become aware if others' negative views on obesity, which in turn, diminishes their self-esteem. Because others devalue them, children whi are obese may also devalue themselves. These children may also devalue themselves because they fall short of internalized social