Is it common for obese children to have behavior problems?

Question

My niece is extremely overweight and has started having behavior issues. I think it all stems from her weight problem. Is it common for obese children to manifest their unhappiness this way?

Answer 1

yes,its quiet possible that children may have behavior problems,specially if they are obese,as they dont feel confident or other kids tease them,it tends to lower their self estem and want to prove that they are better than anyone else.

Answer 2

Yes, I have seen this happen.  But sometimes the behavior problems are there first, THEN the obesity.   Some children overeat simply because their parents are not educated about healthy nutrition, and give the kids overly large portions or too much junk food.  But others overeat because they are lacking attention and/or affection from their families.  Then they start exhibiting behavior problems because they're uncomfortable with their weight, and unhappy because other children tease them.

Answer 3

You won't believe this.  I just put up a question about my 10 yr old daughter having severe behavioral problems.  Hers have gotten worse since she has gained a lot of weight.  She is starting to bully he little brother.  She gets mad at me because I wear a smaller shirt than she does.  She tries to eat all the time and when her father and I tell her no snacking, she gets mad and throws horrible fits.  She tries to sneak and eat at night.  It is becoming a constant battle with her.  I don't know if I have answered your question, but you have helped me a bit with mine.  Thank you.

Answer 4

he is probably upset about his weight. HE has more body fat, so he is prone to early puberty. hormones!

Answer 5

Well it depends on the age of your child and what she might be going through at school/home.  If you exercise more your mood improves.  She might be eating bad foods, healthy foods help your mood too.

Answer 6

yes it is because its most likly that they arent eating the proper foods and their body and their brain isnt developing the same as it would if they were healthier. alot of food colouring and preservatives can cause children to act out or lose controle.

on the other side im sure they could manifest their unhappiness by behaving bad, but alot of children arent aware of their body or they dont really care.

Answer 7

I think so.

But I can't say for sure... the only reason I say I think so is because most of the girls I have met who are over weight have always been mean, except for very few. I do think it comes from anger. My cousin is severely overweight and she is 17, I am 18 and she has been jealous and mean to me my entire life, even when I was a toddler she would push me and hit me. Now, when I see her at all family functions she gives me dirty looks and never says a word, but I am so close with the rest of her family.

Answer 8

I wouldn't be surprised. She is probably full of sadness and shame and anger. Could you encourage her parents to bring her weight down? Poor child she should be full of fun and excitement for every day.