All along experts have cautioned us on the host of physical health problems childhood obesity can lead to, including diabetes, heart disease and even early death. But what about the psychological effects of childhood obesity? They can be just as severe as the physical consequences.
"Overweight kids are more likely to have depression and low self-esteem, to be teased or bullied, and to bully other children," Catherine Davis, associate professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia, told LiveScience.com. "These can be serious problems for these children."
But teaching kids to feel good about themselves can help keep the emotional effects of obesity at bay.
Check out HealthTeacher lesson plans on dealing with feelings and feeling good about oneself
