Weight Stigmatization in Youth

Overweight young people face weight bias not just from other children but from teachers and even parents. Television, movies, and magazines reinforce negative attitudes about body weight and perpetuate weight bias.

Together, all these sources of bias have a major impact on young people’s psychological, social, and physical health. Studies show that overweight and obese children who are victimized because of their weight are more vulnerable to depression, low self-esteem, and poor body image. Some research has also demonstrated that obese youth who are victimized by their peers are two to three times more likely to engage in suicidal thoughts and behaviors than overweight children who are not victimized. Weight bias also limits children’s social relationships, making them more likely to be socially isolated and less likely to be chosen as friends.

On the physical level, several studies have demonstrated that weight bias leads to unhealthy eating behaviors. For example, overweight girls and boys who are targets of frequent weight teasing are more likely to engage in binge eating or unhealthy weight control measures. Other evidence suggests that weight stigma discourages obese children from engaging in physical activity and physical education classes.

Parents and educators have a critical role to play in reducing weight bias and improving the lives of overweight children. To learn more about weight bias in youth and what you can do to stop this widespread problem, please refer to these resources, which you can download for free:

• Tools for Healthcare Providers
• Tools for Kids and Teens
• Tools for Parents
• Tools for Schools Educators
• Tools for Researchers