Being overweight is tough enough, but growing up in a society that places high value on muscular male bodies and model-thin female figures is even tougher for those of us who don’t fit the image. Social workers must be willing to stand guard against these unrealistic and pressure-inducing images, especially for children and adolescents, who are still absorbing these social, parental, and peer expectations.
The most immediate consequence of overweight—as perceived by children themselves—is social discrimination. Encountering this bias can lead to low self-esteem and possibly depression. While taking care not to perpetuate stereotypes, social workers should concentrate their energy on advocating for the realistic, individualized, and healthy expectations our children deserve. Yes, this is a social work issue.

Suggestions for Social Workers

Following are some general suggestions provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human services. While these tips were originally designed for parents, social workers and other professionals who work with children and adolescents will also find them useful.

General Suggestions

• Let children know they are loved and appreciated regardless of their weight or size. An overweight child probably knows better than anyone else that he or she has a weight problem. Overweight children need support, acceptance, and encouragement.
• Focus on health and on the child’s positive qualities, not on weight.
• Try not to make a child feel different for being overweight; instead, focus on gradually changing physical activity levels and eating habits.
• Be a good role model. If a child sees you enjoying healthy foods and physical activity, he or she is more likely to do the same now and for the rest of his or her life.
• Avoid using candy and other sweet snacks as rewards.
• Realize that an appropriate goal for many overweight children is to maintain their current weight, while growing normally in height.

Physical Activity Suggestions

• Encourage children to be physically active. Children should participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days.
• Even greater amounts of physical activity may be necessary for the prevention of weight gain, for weight loss, or for sustaining weight loss.
• Plan group activities that provide children with exercise and enjoyment.
• Advocate for a safe environment for active play, such as swimming, biking, skating, ball sports, and other fun activities.
• Work with the child’s family on reducing the amount of time spent in sedentary activities, such as watching TV or playing video games. A recommended limit on TV time is less than two hours a day.

Many overweight children who are still growing do not need to actually lose weight. By reducing their rate of weight gain, they can “grow into” their current weight. Additionally, all weight management programs for children and teens should always be supervised by medical professionals.

Overweight in children and adolescents may be caused by many factors, including behavioral patterns like a general lack of physical activity or unhealthy eating patterns. Overweight and obese conditions may also be caused or influenced by genetics and other medical conditions not easily detected or controlled. In any case, it is important that social workers demonstrate sensitivity toward overweight and obese children and teens, and encourage families to address this issue together in positive ways.
For more details on this article NASW Section members can visit: https://www.socialworkers.org/sections/areas/econnection/newsletter.asp?econ=60&art=362

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