[Childhood obesity and its association with the feeling of unhappiness and low levels of self-esteem in children of public schools].

INTRODUCTION

overweight children are at increased risk for psychosocial disorders.

OBJECTIVE

the purpose of this research was to relate the condition of overweight and obesity to the levels of self-esteem and happiness in schoolchildren of public schools.

METHODS

a total of 364 schoolchildren (180 boys and 184 girls) were enrolled between eleven and 13 years old (12.44 ± 1.14 years old). Anthropometric measurements were performed and the levels of self-esteem and happiness were evaluated through the School Self-Esteem Test (APT). RESULS: school self-esteem was significantly higher in boys (p < 0.001); 55.49% (n = 204) of the students evaluated were overweight. Overweight and obese subjects had lower levels of self-esteem compared to normal weight children (p = 0.032). In addition, 43 students had very low self-esteem, and a relationship between very low and low self-esteem levels (n = 119) and the overweight and obesity was observed (p = 0.033). In relation to the question "Am I a happy person?", a greater proportion of students answered positively (n = 296). The negative response to the question was associated with weight excess (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

overweight and obesity were related to low levels of self-esteem and happiness in schoolchildren. These results are alarming since self-esteem is one's appreciation of oneself and happiness is an index of subjective personal well-being and is a topic that concerns families and the entire education system.