All modern research consents that the rates of childhood and adolescent obesity are particularly high in our country. While our country has a rich sporting tradition and history, with the most important institution of the Olympics, it seems that Greeks do not greatly exercise. The unhealthy diet that seems to be the solution and the choice of modern lifestyle and lack of exercise are the two main factors that lead to childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity or overweight is not considered a psychiatric disease in children. But it is associated with mental factors that appear as causes but also as a consequence of childhood obesity.

As a cause, loneliness, low self -esteem and depression that children experience from the long absence of parents in modern times. Children find refuge in food in an effort to fill the emotional gap from the essential parental relationships of love and acceptance they need daily but they are missing. The stress, the “monster” of our time that children carry on the one hand from their pressured and loaded daily program and on the other by the “want” of their parents. Also, any event that has been registered as a traumatic in the child’s psyche, such as a loss of relatives or even an animal, can be regarded as a mental cause for consolation in food, unable to manage their mental pain.

One child is not only understood, Winnicott, the famous pediatrician and psychoanalyst, used to say. So in any case where a child is gaining weight without a medical problem, parents need to receive the message that some psychological cause exists and should look for it. Another case is a child with obese parents, whether depressed with pessimistic and passive life attitude may be trapped and reproduced the same pattern of behavior towards nutrition.

Obese children suffer from overweight and their appearance. And because the basic features of childhood and adolescence are game and sport in this case from a source of enjoyment and joy are converted into a nightmare and permanent source of stress as children with overweight find it difficult. Thus, they are often targeted by their classmates and therefore less acceptable to school.

Childhood obesity is a serious illness. A group scientific approach is required where there will be a doctor, nutritionist and psychologist. You need to approach the issue family and not to address the child as the black sheep of the family alone.

If you have a child with overweight in your family, it is now the time to think about how you will find space to dedicate it to him. To connect with him emotionally! Yes it is not enough to love your child, you need to show him and tell him everyday! Listen to what it has to say and get to know it better. Listen to it without judging it and sharing with him moments of tenderness. Do things together, inside and outside the house, things you agree with or suggests that without imposing what you want.

Mirror his skills and slopes. Listen to his thoughts, his feelings and his want. Set boundaries because they help children feel safe and later be able to delineate themselves. Help your child recognize their gifts and feel good about themselves because we remind you that children are mirrored in their parents’ eyes.