Bradford Middle School said that September is National Childhood Obesity Month. The school said that nearly 20% of students struggle with obesity and that the condition can affect children’s mental health.
Some effects of childhood obesity include sleeping disorders, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
“Children who struggle with obesity may also become targets for bullying,” the school said, “which can lead to further mental health struggles.”
The school’s guidance office said it is encouraging everyone to be mindful of healthy habits.
“But we are also asking everyone to be mindful of how we treat those who may be struggling with childhood obesity,” the office added. “To you, they may just be words, but to someone else, they could be the last straw for something they are already self-conscious about.”
