Secular Trend of Self-Concept in the Context of Childhood Obesity—Data from the CHILT III Programme, Cologne

Abstract

Juvenile obesity is associated with a lower self-concept. Given the continued prevalence of obesity, we examined the secular trend of body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) and self-concept in participants of a German weight management programme (n = 242, 53.3% female, mean age 12.5 ± 2.1 years, mean BMI-SDS 2.45 ± 0.46) over a period of 15 years. Anthropometric data, physical fitness (watt/kg), and demographic data were assessed. The years 2005 to 2020 were grouped into six sections containing a mean of n = 40 participants. The questionnaire for the assessment of self and competence in children (FSK-K) was used to assess the following domains: “scholastic competence”, “social competence”, “physical appearance”, “global self-worth”, and “behavioural conduct”. No significant between-group differences in self-assessment across self-concept domains were found. In all time periods, heavier children assigned the lowest rating to physical appearance. Social competence increased with higher physical fitness. Even though no negative trend in the self-concept of children with obesity was found in this cohort, the findings confirmed an association between juvenile overweight/obesity and lower physical self-concept, and between a better social competence and increasing physical fitness. Accompanying psychosocial care, therefore, rightly remains an important pillar of obesity therapy.

Temporal trends in weight-based disparities in physical fitness of children: 30-years of continuous surveillance through Slovenian national system

“…65,72 Obesity and physical fitness management at a younger age may also have a greater effect for several reasons such as easier motivation generation and maintenance, less resistance to treatment stigmatization, easier control and modification of behaviour as well as implementation of possible innovative strategies. 30,73,74 As an example of these newer strategies, involving communication through the Internet, better involvement of adolescents in their own management programmes and peer support strategies, could all be explored. Encouraging participation in a range of sports, specifically participating more regularly in enjoyable activities during the week, persisting for longer than three years and, experiencing higher levels of sports practice and/or competition could also be viable interventions to ensure the stability and improvement in physical fitness of children and young people.…”