Beyond the Surface: Youth Obesity, Mental Health, and the Fight Against Bullying in BC

Adults and children dealing with obesity and the stigmas attached to being overweight have become a matter of both civic concern and public health in Vancouver BC. In an insightful interview, Sherry Soltani and Poran Poregbal, hosts for Today TV engage in a meaningful conversation with Gholamreza Asgari, a homeopathic doctor, and Sara Abtahi, a licensed diet specialist surrounding this issue and its impacts on youth physical and mental health. 

Sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits contribute to the problem, leading to increased vulnerability to bullying in schools. The emotional toll on these individuals can result in heightened stress, anxiety, and depression. To address this civic issue, comprehensive efforts are needed, including promoting healthier lifestyles, improving access to nutritious food, and implementing anti-bullying initiatives in schools to create a supportive and inclusive environment."

"Addressing child and youth obesity in our community is paramount. Tackling this issue promotes a healthier and more supportive environment for our youth, fostering overall community well-being."

The conversation stems from numerous questions raised by community members after watching the initial interview, which was publicized a few weeks ago.

Poran opened the discussion by emphasizing that obesity is a global issue. On a local community basis, there is a need for more education and exploration of the challenges of obesity. Dr Asgari highlighted scientific-based evidence indicating that obesity is a metabolic challenge, extending beyond eating or exercising habits.

Sherry Soltani posed specific questions from the public, ensuring each participant in the interview addressed them. She acknowledged the complexity of the issue, recognizing that no one-size-fits-all answer exists due to the multitude of reasons people may become obese.

Poran referenced an article published by Health and Quality of Life Outcomes (Abiri et al. 2022), suggesting that obesity leads to poor quality of life and has the potential to contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression due to adverse metabolic conditions.

Sherry inquired about the impact of childhood obesity on bullying experiences within the school environment while Poran highlighted the increased bullying risk for overweight kids in schools, emphasizing the need for community education on obesity challenges.

Dr. Asgari emphasized a multitude of factors contributing to obesity, ranging from physical and medical reasons to social and psychiatric considerations. These factors pose risks for obese individuals, leading to various physical conditions such as cardiovascular issues and diabetes. He highlighted the role of genetic factors in obesity and weight issues, underscoring the importance of understanding individual predispositions for effective intervention. Dr. Asgari also highlighted the importance of clear family-based conversations on lifestyle as a preventive measure against bullying for overweight kids in school.

Sara Abtahi underscored the importance of individual assessment, highlighting the uniqueness of each person's body type. She emphasized the need to conceptualize problems individually.

Sara emphasized checking ingredients for sugar and salt in food, quoting four key factors for a healthier lifestyle: improved eating habits, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep.

In summary, this panel discussion delved into the multifaceted reasons for obesity, addressing challenges faced by individuals, particularly children and youth. It underscored the importance of seeking medical and holistic help for managing obesity, while also shedding light on the stigma attached to obesity. The discussion highlighted the significance of clear, family-based conversations on lifestyle as a key strategy to combat bullying and support the well-being of overweight children and youth in our community.

References:

Abiri, B., Hosseinpanah, F., Banihashem, S., Madinehzad, S. A., & Valizadeh, M. (2022). Mental health and quality of life in different obesity phenotypes: a systematic review. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 20(1), 1-14.

Canada Health 

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2023/03/message-from-the-minister-of-health--world-obesity-day-2023.html

Guests:

Dr. Gholamreza Asgari, Medical Doctor- Homeopath

Sara Abtahi, Certified Nutritional Practitioner

Volunteer Host:

Poran Poregbal MA, RSW, RCC Doctoral Candidate in Counselling and Psychotherapy

Producer and Journalist:

Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society