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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Victimization of obese adolescents
1University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
Summary
Obese adolescents face significant peer victimization, leading to severe psychosocial issues. School nurses are crucial in identifying and intervening to protect these vulnerable students.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Psychosocial Well-being
- Public Health
Background:
- Obese adolescents experience peer victimization, including bullying and teasing, due to their weight.
- This weight-based peer victimization is linked to detrimental outcomes such as low self-esteem, depression, and suicidal ideation.
- Obese youth are more susceptible to peer victimization than their average-weight counterparts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the heightened risk of peer victimization among obese adolescents.
- To emphasize the critical role of school nurses in identifying and intervening in cases of weight-based peer victimization.
- To underscore the potential for school nurses to safeguard the psychosocial health of obese students.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of existing literature on peer victimization in obese adolescents.
- It defines weight-based peer victimization, encompassing overt and relational forms.
- It examines the susceptibility of obese adolescents to such victimization.
Main Results:
- Obese adolescents are disproportionately targeted by peer victimization.
- Victimization contributes to significant negative psychosocial outcomes, including poor academic performance.
- School nurses are uniquely positioned as first responders to identify and address this issue.
Conclusions:
- School nurses play a vital role in protecting obese adolescents from the harmful effects of peer victimization.
- Interventions by school nurses can promote healthy peer interactions and preserve psychosocial integrity.
- Early identification and support are essential for the well-being of victimized obese adolescents.
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