Preventing bullying and overweight scourge demands that we work together

Preventing bullying and overweight scourge: The alarming statistics

The statistics on bullying are upsetting. We can solve this problem by preventing bullying and weight gain problems simply by encouraging healthy living. Doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran weight loss expert shares with us some of the research findings based on a recent national survey of overweight in sixth grade, 24 percent of the boys and 30 percent of the girls experienced daily teasing, bullying or rejection because of their size. The number doubles for overweight high school students with 58 percent of boys and 63 percent of girls experiencing daily teasing, bullying or rejection because of their size. This is a clear manifestation of the pain our children go through because of what we could easily solve if we did the right thing from their initial stages of life. Therefore what is bullying? The word bullying can take different forms of definitions including:

• Bullying involves intentional and largely unprovoked, efforts to harm another
• Bullying can be physical or verbal, and direct or indirect in nature
• Bullying involves repeated negative actions by one or more against another
• Bullying involves an imbalance of physical or psychological power

Nonetheless, we must also talk about this issue in plain language to keep it real and to understand the impact of bullying. Overweight children and teens who are bullied are often called names, teased, punched, ganged up on, humiliated and ignored relentlessly either in-person or in social media by their peers. Victims often feel depressed, ostracized, sad, powerless, lonely, alienated, angry, anxious and fearful. It is important that we address bullying in our schools, neighborhoods, and communities because every child has the basic human right to feel safe and secure.

Preventing bullying and overweight scourge: Who are the bullies and who are the victims?

Overweight and obese school-aged children are more likely to be the victims and perpetrators of bullying behaviors than their normal-weight peers. Naturally, both male and female children and teens report bully making fun of the way they look, dress or talk. However, males are more likely to report being physically harmed through punching or kicking, whereas girls are more likely to be excluded, ostracized and the target of rumors, especially pertaining to sexual activity. The risk factors associated with bullying victims – feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, depression, social isolation and marginalization, lack of social skills and the inability to defend themselves in confrontational situations – are similar to the psycho-social conditions of overweight children and teens; depression, anxiety, social isolation and marginalization and low self-esteem.

Finally, bullying often comes in two categories; direct and indirect. Direct bullying involves confrontations, name calling, derogatory comments, hitting, kicking, shoving and chasing. Indirect bullying is equally aggressive, but partially hidden from the victim and can include social isolation, the spreading of lies and rumors to peers and ignoring victims in group activities. Cyberbullying may also fall into this category because the harassment and bullying is a step removed from a face-to-face contact using text messaging or social media networks such as Facebook and YouTube.

No matter the category this problem must be addressed professionally. The objective of AWAREmed health center is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. This is what you need and it is only a phone call away. Reach out for doctor Akoury and all this will be addressed professionally.

Preventing bullying and overweight scourge: The alarming statistics

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