Relation between overweight, obesity, and self-esteem levels in schoolchildren

The increase of childhood obesity has become a major public health problem in Chile; however, there is little evidence of its impact on psychological factors in preadolescent and adolescent populations. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the nutritional status of schoolchildren and their self-esteem levels, determining the relationship of these variables, and comparing the results according to body status. A total of 164 students, 93 men and 71 women, between 11 and 14 years old (12.54 +/- 1.14) were evaluated. Participants belong to two public schools in the city of Temuco, Chile. Data were collected regarding study, age, gender, BMI, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-toheight ratio (WSR), and self-esteem levels. 55.49% of the sample of study showed to be overweight or obesity. The variables waist-to-hip ratio (p=.000), HC (p=0.011) and height (p=.003), showed significant differences when comparing by gender. Men had higher levels of self-esteem than women (p=.018). Subjects in the category of very low self-esteem had higher BMJ, WC, HC, and WSR (p<.05). BMI presented a negative association with self-esteem levels (p=.002, r =-.237), whereas a positive and significant association was reported with the other anthropometric variables (p<.05). The findings of this research showed a negative association between self-esteem and individuals with overweight or obesity. Consequently, they contribute to highlight the strong relation between cardiovascular risk factors and psychosocial variables such as self-esteem.