Self-Weighing Among Teens May Cause Depression, Experts Say

Have you ever noticed your teen stepping on the weighing scale far too often than they should?

It might be an implication of low self-esteem which leads to depression, a sign parents should watch out for. Studies indicate that an increase in frequency of self-weighing decreases a teen's self-satisfaction. However, its effects on adults were not as damaging compared to teens. Adults use self-weighing as a means to prevent weight gain, while for some, the effects may be damaging.

Teenage years have become the most vulnerable stage in a person's life. This is the period when they are still forming behaviors, adapting to peers and constantly looking for approval. What happens when teens become susceptible to abnormal physiological changes such as weight gain or its more dangerous counterpart, obesity?

This constant dilemma among teens is a silent killer that has raised alarming statistics in terms of its psychological effect. In the past 30 years, the statistics on child obesity has more than doubled, based on data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Effects

To recognize the effects of self-weighing among 2,000 young adults, comprising of 57 percent female, participants were monitored in the frequency of their weighing. Furthermore, these young adults were monitored with regards to behavior on weight change.

"Results showed that females in particular who reported increases in self-weighing during the study period were more likely to have increases in weight concern and depressive symptoms, as well as decreases in body satisfaction and self-esteem," Medical News Today reported.

Prevention

Studies indicate that increasing rates of weight-related depression among teens have raised public awareness. Prevention is better than cure, as what medical experts would say. In this case, it is always true. Preventive measures were discussed by Carly Pacanowski, PhD, RD, lead authority of the study in a question and answer session by Julie Edgar of WebMD Health News.

Pacanowski suggested that teen girls should not be weighing by themselves. Constant monitoring and presence of emotional support is important. If these girls appear to be constantly disturbed with their weight, parents should be sensitive on inquiring about self-weighing. In the real world, self-weighing is easier to discuss with them rather than depressive symptoms, added Pacanowski.

Ending the session, Pacanowski's parting words were the role of parents in this critical stage in a child's life. Making them believe that having a healthy body is more important than how it looks.