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Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
What's the name? Weight stigma and the battle against obesity
Rita Tanas1, Sergio Bernasconi2, Maria Marsella3
1Advisor of the Adolescence Study Group, Italian Pediatric Society, Ferrara, Italy. tanas.rita@gmail.com.
Insights
Childhood obesity is a growing global concern, often worsened by weight stigma which impedes treatment success. Anti-stigma training for healthcare professionals and using inclusive language are crucial for better disease management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Medical Social Science
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a significant and escalating global health issue, presenting challenges in effective treatment.
- Emerging research highlights weight stigma as a critical barrier to successful obesity interventions in children.
Discussion:
- Healthcare professionals, particularly pediatricians, require urgent anti-stigma training to address weight bias effectively.
- Implementing non-stigmatizing language and imagery across educational, healthcare, and media settings is vital.
Key Insights:
- Weight stigma negatively impacts the efficacy of childhood obesity treatments.
- A multi-faceted approach involving healthcare provider education and public awareness is necessary.
Outlook:
- Future strategies should prioritize comprehensive anti-stigma initiatives within healthcare systems and public discourse.
- Promoting inclusive environments in schools, sports, and media can foster better management of childhood obesity.
Abstract:
Childhood obesity has spread worldwide, it is on the rise, starts earlier and is more severe, despite all treatment attempts.According to recent studies, weight stigma is a factor that can hinder the success of therapies. Healthcare workers, mainly paediatricians, need to feel the urgency of anti-stigma training. The use of non-stigmatizing terminologies and images in various areas (school, sports clubs, healthcare, media, society in general) can improve disease management.
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