Being a
bully in junior high school was terrible since I had to intimidate others who I
thought were better than I am with my big size. Fellow classmates who jeered at
me were dealt with during break by my clique and I. Although I frequented the
vice-principal’s office on charges of bullying for disciplinary actions, I never
repented. I took umbrage at any expression that may refer to my body size even
if it were totally unrelated to me or unintended. The sense of insecurity
pervaded my mind. I was violent.
During meal-times at home, the
jeering didn’t stop. My siblings did jeer at me and taunt my voracious appetite.
My parents and elder ones inadvertently make reference to my size whenever I was
scolded for any wrongdoing. I felt rejected anytime this happens. Incarcerating
myself in the toilet for long hours became more frequent. Tears and forced vomitus
littered the sink every time I indulge in this. I lost my self esteem.
Growing up was also characterized
with frequent hospital visits and drug therapy. I fell sick frequently. Also,
during playtime, I couldn’t engage actively in some childhood sports like
street soccer or running around. The girls liked those who belonged to the
school’s soccer team. None of them took time to talk with me or even
acknowledge my greetings. I became more withdrawn.
I have decided to share my story
with you for it ripples the story of over 1.4 billion persons obese and
overweight worldwide. A great proportion of these persons are youth statistically,
the WHO 2008 fact sheet reported that over 1.4 billion persons are overweight
or obese. Obesity & overweight are
in my opinion the most important health problem facing youths in the world
today.
The health burdens of the 1.4
billion persons who are obese/ overweight affect their mental, physical and social health. Low self esteem, depression and
mood swings plague the mental health of these persons. This in turn encourages
their addiction to drugs, alcohol and sex to escape this debilitating
challenge. They do not believe that their situation is curable.
Cardiovascular disease e.g heart attack, stroke; metabolic disease: Diabetes mellitus plague these 1.4 billion persons. Most of these diseases are difficult to manage and improper management could lead to death. The media have not helped matters. Their skinny model message has further reduced the esteem of these 1.4 billion persons.
Boris C.
Nwachukwu,
Department
of Medicine ,
University
of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH)
Port-Harcourt,
Rivers
State,
Nigeria.
0 comments:
Post a Comment