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Bodily shame does not psychologically harm children, it can even worsen their weight problems in adulthood
It's hard to be a kid or a teenager, no matter how you look. The reality is that children can be cruel, for no reason. But for teens with weight problems or other body image problems, bullying can be an extra layer of torture – and even have a serious long-term impact on their physical health.
According to a study published Thursday in the newspaper Pediatric obesity, researchers from the University of Health Sciences Health Services in Bethesda, Maryland, and National Institutes of Health, found that children teased and ridiculed for their weight were more likely to gain weight in adulthood. In addition, the more jokes they endure, the more weight they will gain.
"There is this school of thought that says [weight-based] teasing could have a motivating effect on young people, "NPR Natasha Schvey, assistant professor of medical and clinical psychology at the University of Uniform Services, told NPR. "This study shows that it's not just do not true, but these teasing could increase weight gain over time. "
Over a 15-year period, the researchers observed a group of 110 children and adolescents aged 12 years on average, both of whose parents were overweight or overweight themselves. The reason they recruited the old ones is because having overweight parents is a risk factor for obesity. Initially, the children were asked if they had been teased because of their weight. 62% of overweight children were teased at least once.
The researchers followed the study participants on average 8.5 years later, and some up to 15 years. Their results were somewhat surprising. Whether they were overweight or not at the start of the study, those who were teased for their weight gained on average 33% more body mass and 91% more fat than their peers. So, basically, even this skinny girl who is mentally tortured to be "too fat" is more likely to fight adult obesity because of the body shame.
This is not the first research to demonstrate that weight-related bullying and negative stigma surrounding childhood obesity can have long-term effects on physical and mental health. A study conducted in 2017 came to exactly the same conclusion – weight-based teasing predicted future obesity and a higher BMI 15 years later – while a 2003 study found that weight-based harassment could harm the psychosocial well-being of young people. One of the possible reasons for the relationship between teasing and weight gain may be that teasing can be a "source of biochemical stress" leading to increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone – which can potentially increase blood pressure. 39; appetite.
Even though we did not need any scientific evidence of intimidation, this study is clearly the number one million seventy-six reason why we must do more to end it. If you wonder why children turn into bullies, the reasons are many. These include their role models (who may be often, uh, we), their uninvolved parents, peer pressure, their own bullying or their need for power.
Of course, schools should have anti-bullying policies and talk to students about the potential long-term impact that teasing a person about their weight can have on them. But remember these words, "Peace be upon the earth and begin with me"? As parents, we must really act and take responsibility.
The next time you plan to comment on your weight or that of someone else in front of your kids, check it out. You may want to keep in mind that your little people are always listening and can totally capture the negative stigma associated with weight.
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