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Social marginalization of overweight children
Richard S Strauss1, Harold A Pollack
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, New Brunswick, USA. rstrauss@prdus.jnj.com
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|August 13, 2003
Summary
Overweight adolescents experience greater social isolation and marginalization than normal-weight peers. Increased sports and club participation can improve social integration for all adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric health
- Adolescent psychology
- Social network analysis
Background:
- Overweight is a prevalent health issue in children and adolescents.
- While links between overweight, self-esteem, and depression are known, social isolation in overweight youth remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the social networks of overweight versus normal-weight adolescents.
- Utilized a large, nationally representative sample for robust findings.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, nationally representative cohort study of adolescents aged 13-18.
- Analyzed friendship nominations and social network centrality.
- Overweight defined by body mass index (BMI) exceeding the 95th percentile for age and sex.
Main Results:
- Overweight adolescents showed higher social isolation and peripheral network positions.
- Received significantly fewer friendship nominations compared to normal-weight peers.
- Higher participation in sports and school clubs correlated with increased social integration for all adolescents.
Conclusions:
- Overweight adolescents frequently face social marginalization.
- This social isolation can worsen the emotional and social impact of being overweight.