Teasing Kids About Weight May Lead to Weight Gain

A study that included 110 middle school students who were either overweight or at risk of being overweight found that those who reported high levels of weight-related teasing were more likely to experience an increase in their body mass index than participants who were not teased about their weight. Study author Dr. Natasha Schvey explains, “Weight-based teasing is associated with a bunch of unhealthy behaviors. Teasing about weight can prompt unhealthy eating. Kids may also avoid physical activity because of teasing. There might also be some biological mechanisms. Being stigmatized for your weight is a stressful experience, which might lead to an increase in stress hormones, which might make you crave unhealthy foods.” Pediatric Obesity, May 2019