Unveiling the Emotional Dimensions of Childhood Obesity

The National University of Singapore (NUS) has launched a compelling public art exhibition titled 'Visualising Obesity’s Impact from Childhood Experiences (VOICE)', shedding light on the profound mental health consequences often overlooked in discussions about childhood obesity. Running from January 26 to February 1, 2026, at Funan Mall in Singapore, this research-led initiative transforms personal stories into immersive art, featuring photographs, 3D-printed artifacts, and narratives from young adults reflecting on their childhood experiences. Co-created by NUS researchers, participants, and artists Joshua Tan and Hannah See, the exhibition challenges visitors to reconsider how societal attitudes, family dynamics, and school environments shape a child's emotional wellbeing amid weight struggles.

Childhood obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, extends far beyond physical health risks like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In Singapore, where rapid urbanization and dietary shifts have fueled rising rates, the psychological toll—including shame, isolation, and diminished self-worth—demands urgent attention. This NUS spotlight not only humanizes the data but also informs more compassionate intervention strategies.

Current Landscape of Childhood Obesity in Singapore

Singapore's childhood obesity rates have shown concerning trends over the past decade. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), in 2024, approximately 13% of children across primary, secondary, and pre-university levels were overweight or severely overweight (BMI-for-age at or above the 90th percentile). Among Primary One students, rates hover around 16-20% in recent screenings, with higher prevalence among boys and certain ethnic groups like Malays and Indians compared to Chinese children. Factors such as increased screen time, sedentary lifestyles post-COVID-19, and access to calorie-dense foods contribute to this rise, despite national efforts.

The Health Promotion Board (HPB) screens over 99% of Primary One children annually, revealing persistent challenges despite plateaus in some segments. Low-income families face higher risks due to limited access to nutritious options and safe play spaces, underscoring socioeconomic disparities in childhood obesity prevalence.

Establishing the Link Between Childhood Obesity and Mental Health

Extensive research globally and locally confirms bidirectional links between childhood obesity and mental health disorders. Overweight children are 1.5-2 times more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, often exacerbated by weight-based stigma. A Singapore study found that obese adolescents reported significantly lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores, particularly in psychosocial domains, compared to normal-weight peers.

Mechanisms include chronic inflammation affecting brain function, social exclusion leading to loneliness, and internalized bias from media portrayals. In formative years, these experiences disrupt neurodevelopment, increasing risks for eating disorders and body dysmorphia into adulthood. NUS research emphasizes how early psychosocial burdens compound physical health challenges, calling for integrated approaches.

• Depression risk: Up to 30% higher in obese children per meta-analyses.
• Anxiety disorders: Linked to bullying and peer rejection.
• Self-esteem erosion: Persistent from teasing and parental comments.

Key Insights from the NUS VOICE Study

The VOICE project, led by Dr. Jumana Hashim from NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine's Centre for Behavioural and Implementation Science Interventions (BISI) and co-principal investigator Prof. Leonard Lee from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR), engaged young adults through workshops, focus groups, photo-journaling, and drawing. Participants recounted formative experiences shaped by family, school, social media, and culture.

Common themes emerged: casual labels like 'Bui Bui' or 'Fatty Bom Bom'—playful in Singaporean context but deeply wounding—instilled shame. Public scrutiny at hawker centers or family gatherings amplified isolation. Yet, resilience shone through coping strategies and supportive figures. Dr. Hashim notes, “These experiences influence self-worth, relationship with food, and sense of belonging, often evolving into adult mental health challenges.”

Prof. Lee adds that interventions must prioritize empathy across families, educators, and healthcare providers, avoiding child-blaming tactics. For academics pursuing behavioral science, NUS exemplifies translational research; explore higher ed research jobs to contribute similarly.

The Role of Stigma and Everyday Language

In Singapore's multicultural society, weight-related teasing disguised as humor perpetuates stigma. Study participants described how repeated remarks eroded confidence, leading to emotional eating or avoidance of social activities. Social media amplifies this, with filtered ideals contrasting real bodies. One participant, Siti Fajriyah, shared how overlooked childhood struggles shaped her life, hoping the exhibition educates supporters.

To counter this:

• Use neutral, health-focused language (e.g., 'healthy eating' over 'diet').
• Promote body positivity without ignoring health risks.
• Educate via school programs on empathy.

Family and School Influences on Emotional Wellbeing

Families model behaviors: home food environments rich in processed snacks hinder progress, while parental pressure without support backfires mentally. Schools, key in Singapore's structured system, can foster inclusion through PE adaptations and anti-bullying policies. NUS findings advocate family-centered modeling—shared meals, active play—over individual dieting.

Educators like Trishnu Kaur praised the exhibition's interactive elements contrasting negative and positive messages, fostering validation. For university lecturers shaping future teachers, resources at higher ed career advice highlight impactful roles.

Government Initiatives and Multi-Level Solutions

Singapore's response includes Grow Well SG, prescribing nutrition, sleep, screen limits, and activity for under-7s, alongside HPB's Healthy Meals in Schools and MOE's MOVE IT. KidStart aids low-income families. Yet, NUS urges mental health integration to avoid unintended stigma.

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Global Research Echoes NUS Findings

International studies align: WHO reports 39 million overweight under-5s globally, with mental health comorbidities. A MDPI study linked overweight 6-9-year-olds to higher psychological distress in Asia. Singapore's context—high education emphasis, kiasu culture—intensifies pressures.

NUS BISI/IPUR advances implementation science, vital for scalable solutions. Aspiring postdocs? Check higher ed postdoc jobs.

Implications for Higher Education and Public Health Training

NUS Yong Loo Lin exemplifies med school-public engagement, training students in behavioral interventions. Research like VOICE informs curricula on stigma-sensitive care. Universities drive policy via evidence, positioning Singapore as Asia-Pacific leader.

Rate professors pioneering this at Rate My Professor or pursue faculty roles via faculty jobs.

Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Towards Empathetic, Effective Interventions

With obesity projected to rise absent holistic shifts, NUS VOICE paves empathetic paths. Integrating mental health screening in screenings, AI-driven personalized plans, and community art could transform outcomes. Stakeholders must collaborate for sustainable change.

Visit the exhibition, reflect, act. Explore higher ed jobs, rate my professor, career advice, university jobs for involvement. Post jobs at post a job.