Obese Girls and College

Posted by Tracy Rose Apr 13, 2008

I recently came across a study that found 50% of obese girls were less likely to go to college. Certainly not because of their lack of intelligence, motivation or interest. The reason obese girls are opting not to go to college is because they lack the self-confidence and self-esteem.

I see this as a sad reality. As a once overweight college student myself, I guess I was in the other half of the equation that wanted a better life for myself, regardless of my size. Education is important and nothing should stop young women from reaching their educational goals.

What concerns me is that if women choose to opt out of college because of the way they look, what else will they drop out of in life? What kind of life do we lead if we stay locked up at home, wishing we were skinny? That's not the kind of life I want to life. I want to lose weight and be healthier, but my life does not stop because I am overweight.

I urge overweight women to go to college and make that commitment to yourself. Going to college was empowering and it was a great time in my life. Not to mention that my weight was not an issue with people after I graduated high school. A little maturtiy goes a long way.

Reference:

Economics of Population Health, 2008

http://businessshrink.biz/Psychology of Business/2008/03/06/obese-girls-50-less-likely-to-attend-college-than-non-obese/