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 (Collinss 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