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Parental concerns about weight-based victimization in youth
Rebecca M Puhl1, Joerg Luedicke, Jenny A Depierre
1Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, Yale University , New Haven, CT.
Childhood Obesity (Print)
|October 24, 2013
Summary
Parents are concerned about weight-based victimization (WBV) and its health effects on children. Parents of overweight children show greater concern and perceive WBV as more common and serious.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Weight-based victimization (WBV) is a significant concern impacting children's well-being.
- Understanding parental perceptions of WBV is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parental perceptions of weight-based victimization (WBV) and its health consequences for children.
- To examine how parental and child weight status influences perceptions of WBV.
Main Methods:
- A national online survey of 918 American parents with children aged 2-18.
- Data analyzed using descriptive statistics and censored regression models.
Main Results:
- 53% of parents identified being overweight as the most common reason for youth bullying.
- Parents of overweight children reported higher concern, perceived greater prevalence, and more serious health risks associated with WBV compared to parents of non-overweight children.
- General concern and perceived consequences of WBV were similar across parents regardless of their child's weight status.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to highlight significant parental concerns regarding WBV and its health implications for youth.
- Educators and healthcare providers should recognize WBV as a common family concern.
- Increased efforts are necessary to address weight-based victimization in children.
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