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The relation between weight-based teasing and psychological adjustment in adolescents.
Gary Goldfield1, Ceri Moore, Katherine Henderson
1Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario. ggoldfield@cheo.on.ca
Paediatrics & Child Health
|May 3, 2011
Summary
Weight-based teasing is common among adolescents, particularly overweight girls, and is linked to anxiety and disordered eating. This study highlights the need for interventions to support affected youth.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Weight-based teasing is a prevalent issue among adolescents.
- Previous research suggests potential links between teasing and negative psychological outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of weight-based teasing in Ottawa adolescents.
- To evaluate the association between weight-based teasing and mental health (depression, anxiety) and eating behaviors.
Main Methods:
- A confidential survey was administered to 1491 adolescents from various schools in the Ottawa area.
- Data collected included experiences of weight-based teasing and self-reported mental health and eating behaviors.
Main Results:
- 33% of girls and 18% of boys reported weight-based teasing.
- Overweight/obese youth experienced teasing more frequently (45%) than normal-weight youth (22%).
- Teasing was consistently associated with anxiety, psychological distress, and disordered eating in both genders, irrespective of weight status.
Conclusions:
- Weight-based teasing is a significant issue for Ottawa adolescents, especially overweight girls.
- The study found a clear association between weight-based teasing and psychological distress and disordered eating.
- Interventions are crucial to help adolescents cope with and prevent the negative impacts of weight-based teasing.
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