Relationship between self-esteem and body image in children with obesity

Childhood obesity is a growing health problem that affects the physical and psychological development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between self-esteem and body image in Mexican obese children. A cross-seccional and correlational research was conducted; the participants in this study were 270 children, 8-11 years old, from Mexico. To select obese children weight and height were measured (BMI percentile > 95). Instruments of self-esteem (Self-esteem Questionnaire, IGA- 2000) and body image perception (Collins's Figure Rating Scale) were administered. The results indicate that 12.22% of children had obesity, of which 94% had low self-esteem and identified with a figure lower body weight; also the relationship between perceived self-esteem and body image (r = 61) was confirmed. It discusses the obesity rate, the devalued perception of self-esteem and body dissatisfaction in Mexican children with obesity.

ResumenLa obesidad infantil representa un problema de salud creciente que afecta el desarrollo físico y psicológico. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la relación entre autoestima e imagen corporal en niños mexicanos con obesidad. Se realizó una investigación transversal y correlacional, donde participaron 270 niños mexicanos, de 8 a 11 años. Se midieron peso y talla para seleccionar a los niños con obesidad (percentil IMC > 95). Se aplicaron instrumentos de autorreporte para autoestima (Cuestionario de autoestima IGA-2000) e imagen corporal (Siete figuras de Collins). Los resultados indican que el 12.22% de los niños presentaron obesidad, de los cuales 94% tenían autoestima baja y se identificaron con una figura corporal de menor peso; asimismo se confirmó la relación entre autoestima e imagen corporal percibida (r = 61). Se discute sobre el índice de obesidad, la percepción devaluada de la autoestima e insatisfacción corporal en niños mexicanos con obesidad.