The Other Side of the Medallion: Childhood Obesity and Stigmatization

Öz

Obesity is a disease that poses a threat to health as a result of excessive fat accumulation and has become an increasing problem in childhood. Obesity, which is also a chronic disease that develops through the interaction of genetic and environmental factors, can lead to serious health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing day by day, and this situation can adversely affect both the physical and psychological health of children but also their psychological health. Obesity can lead to social problems such as loss of self-confidence, peer bullying, depression, and low academic achievement in children. The social stigma associated with obesity further deepens these effects. Weight stigma can negatively affect both physical and psychological health through exposure to individuals to be exposed to negative stereotypes and discrimination. Weight stigma in children can lead to consequences such as bullying at school, loneliness, and low self-esteem. In this context, careful use of language, prevention of stigmatization, and increased education for families are of great importance for the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. Adopting a sensitive and empathetic approach to obesity may support healthier developmental trajectories in the long term.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• childhood
• obesity
• stigmatization
• weight

Madalyonun Diğer Yüzü: Çocukluk Çağı Obezitesi ve Damgalanma

Öz

Obezite, aşırı yağ birikimi sonucu sağlık için tehdit oluşturan bir hastalık olup, çocukluk döneminde giderek artan bir sorun haline gelmiştir. Obezite, genetik ve çevresel faktörlerin etkileşimiyle gelişen kronik bir hastalık olup, kalp-damar hastalıkları, diyabet, hipertansiyon gibi ciddi sağlık sorunlarına yol açabilir. Dünya Sağlık Örgütü'ne göre, çocukluk obezitesinin prevalansı gün geçtikçe artmaktadır ve bu durum, çocukların yalnızca fiziksel sağlıklarını değil, psikolojik sağlıklarını da olumsuz etkileyebilmektedir. Obezite, çocukların özgüven kaybı, akran zorbalığı, depresyon ve düşük akademik başarı gibi sosyal sorunlara yol açabilmektedir. Obeziteye dair toplumsal damgalama ise bu etkileri daha da derinleştirmektedir. Ağırlık damgalaması, bireylerin olumsuz stereotiplere ve ayrımcılığa maruz kalmasına neden olarak, hem fiziksel hem de psikolojik sağlıklarını olumsuz yönde etkileyebilir. Çocuklarda ağırlık damgalaması, okulda zorbalık, yalnızlık ve düşük özsaygı gibi sonuçlar doğurabilmektedir. Bu bağlamda, çocukluk obezitesinin önlenmesi ve tedavisi için dikkatli dil kullanımı, damgalanmanın önlenmesi ve ailelere yönelik eğitimlerin artırılması büyük önem taşımaktadır. Obeziteye karşı duyarlı ve empatik bir yaklaşım benimsenmesi, uzun vadede çocukların sağlıklı gelişimine katkı sağlayacaktır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Çocukluk çağı
• obezite
• damgalanma
• kilo

Kaynakça

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