Hi Martin, Interesting research question! I am not an expert in this area. However, there may be a link using literature on self esteem/self efficacy. Being obese at young age is found to be related to a low self-esteem, which may hinder setting high goals later in life, e.g. also in their working life... Irene

Hi Irene

Thank you. Yes, we are also thinking along similar lines, but we found it hard to find relevant literature by searching Pubmed etc. So we hope RG can help :)

Best wishes, Martin

Hi Martin,

These resources may interest you.

https://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/hohonu/documents/Vol04x23WeightDiscrimination.pdf

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-obesity/basics/complications/con-20027428

http://www.learnhowtobecome.org/make-a-difference-careers/obesity/

Thanks a lot Stephen 

You have to view this against the background of the times.  I am 75 years old and have had (still having) a productive professional career.  I was an obese child and I could write a book about it!

There was no meaningful health education then.  Sweet rationing had just ended so my waistline swelled and my teeth rotted.  I was one of two 'fatties' in my peer group and we were known as 'Tweedledum & Tweedledee'  It was only the onset of puberty and a poor self-image that prompted me to put myself in order.  I crash dieted and had my buck teeth extracted (they were too far gone for orthodontics) but I carried an obese and generally poor self-image for almost my whole life even though I am actually slim, healthier and more active than many of my age.  Being happily married has contributed enormously, of course.

I was completely useless at sporting activities but I have a good scientific mind and I hid behind that 'geeky' image to a large extent.  I was in my twenties when I discovered potholing and I am to this day Hon. President of the Westminster Spelaeological Group.  Activities such as long-distance hiking, caving, climbing etc. are cooperative and not competitive and those who participate generally have a similar mindset to my own.

I can only point towards todays obvious differences.  My genetic family are all tending towards obesity however my wife's (2nd marriage) are not at all.  so yes, nature and nurture both play an equal part.

But one thing I will say most emphatically.  "Don't let your children become obese.!" As a parent it is one of your highest duties to see that they live a healthy physically active life and develop the vital life-skills to achieve it

Dear Toby Clark

Thank you VERY much for this inspiring personal contribution. Although it is hard to make science on individual cases, I think your story has a convincing coherence, backing up the kind of thinking we want to explore.

We hope to make a research project to become able to give further scientific support to your wise, emphatic and empathetic advice to parents and health proponents.

Please take the opportunity to educate your study families.  Eating fat dose not make anyone fat.  It is the over consumption of refined carbohydrate (flour and sugar).  I like to make the analogy to the Garden of Eden.  If Adam and Eve had it it is OK to eat it. And do not eat anything unless it is alive.  i.e., it will die and rot..  Behavior modification starts with the family at an early age.  With this study, you have a powerful; powerful opportunity to do a lot of good.