Adolescent experiences of weight-related communication: Sociodemographic differences and the role of parents

Weight-related conversations are common between adolescents and parents. However, there is limited understanding of how these conversations vary across sociodemographic groups, such as sex, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, or parents' level of education. This study assessed the prevalence of weight-related communication among adolescents and parents across sociodemographic characteristics, and identified adolescents' preferred sources for these discussions.

Quantitative data were collected through online surveys from two independent U.S.

adolescents aged 10-17 years of age (N = 2032), and parents of children aged 10-17 years of age (N = 1936). Frequency and sources of weight-related communication were assessed. Sociodemographic factors were analysed for their associations with these communication patterns.

While few differences emerged based on race/ethnicity or grade level, significant variation was observed for sex, sexual orientation, and parental education. Girls, sexual minority youth, high school students, and those with college-educated parents were more likely to communicate about their own weight, whereas boys were more likely to comment on others' weight. Most adolescents preferred healthcare professionals (71%) and parents (69%) for these conversations, although sexual minority youth preferred mental health professionals considerably more than parents. Among parents, 77% discussed their child's weight, with fathers and Latinx parents engaging more frequently in these conversations, and Black parents engaging least frequently.

Weight-related communication is prevalent among adolescents and parents, with variation across sociodemographic characteristics. As healthcare professionals and parents were identified as the preferred sources for weight-related communication by adolescents across sociodemographic groups, it is important that paediatricians and parents are equipped to engage in these conversations without imparting stigma.