The Impact of Obesity on College Students' Health

Introduction

Obesity is a growing concern across the globe, and the United States has not been spared. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2007-2008 and 2015-2016, the obesity rate among adults increased from 33.7% to 39.8%. College students, like other adults, are not immune to the effects of obesity. They too are at risk of developing health problems associated with obesity. This essay will explore how obesity affects the physical, emotional, and mental health of college students.

Physical Effects of Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and stroke. For college students, these diseases might not manifest at the moment, but the long-term effect is a concern. For example, obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a disease that requires management and can lead to other complications such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Similarly, obesity increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Obesity also affects mobility and physical activity. Students who are obese may struggle to participate in physical activity and have limited mobility. This can lead to social isolation and low self-esteem, which has an emotional impact.

Emotional Effects of Obesity

Obesity can have emotional effects on college students. The societal pressure to have a particular body type can lead to negative self-image and low self-esteem. Students who are obese may feel judged, stigmatized, and ashamed of their bodies, which can impact their overall emotional well-being.

Social interactions can also be affected by obesity. College students who are obese may feel excluded and isolated. They may avoid social events and activities due to fear of judgment and stigma. This can lead to depression and anxiety, which can further impact emotional health.

Mental Health Effects of Obesity

Obesity can also have mental health effects on college students. Obese students may struggle with body dysmorphia, an obsessive concern with their body image, which can lead to anxiety and depression. This can be exacerbated by the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards, as well as negative comments from peers.

Sleep apnea is another mental health effect of obesity. College students who are obese may experience sleep apnea, which is a condition where an individual stops breathing multiple times throughout the night. This can lead to sleep disturbance, fatigue, and decreased cognitive performance, which can impact academic achievement.

Conclusion

Obesity is a growing concern for college students, with physical, emotional, and mental health effects. It's important that college students take steps to maintain a healthy weight by incorporating physical activity into their daily routine and making healthy food choices. Counseling services can be offered to help students who struggle with negative self-image, anxiety, and depression. By addressing obesity's impact, college students can lead healthy, fulfilling lives.