Rebecca M Puhl1,2, Leah M Lessard3. 1. Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA. Rebecca.puhl@uconn.edu. 2. Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, University of Connecticut, One Constitution Plaza, Suite 600, Hartford, CT, 0610, USA. Rebecca.puhl@uconn.edu. 3. Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, University of Connecticut, One Constitution Plaza, Suite 600, Hartford, CT, 0610, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes recent evidence on weight stigma experienced by youth with overweight or obesity. We examine the prevalence and sources of weight-based victimization targeting youth, consequences of these stigmatizing experiences for their psychological and physical health, and considerations for addressing weight stigma in clinical practice and pediatric care. RECENT FINDINGS: Weight stigma is highly prevalent among youth with high body weight, who are targets of weight-based victimization from peers, parents, and teachers. These experiences place youth at risk for psychological distress (primarily depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation), worse social and academic outcomes, and adverse physical health consequences including maladaptive eating behaviors, lower physical activity, substance use, and weight gain. Healthcare professionals and clinicians have important roles to play in efforts to help reduce weight stigma and support youth with obesity. Fundamental to these efforts is the use of supportive, compassionate, and non-stigmatizing communication with youth and their families.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review summarizes recent evidence on weight stigma experienced by youth with overweight or obesity. We examine the prevalence and sources of weight-based victimization targeting youth, consequences of these stigmatizing experiences for their psychological and physical health, and considerations for addressing weight stigma in clinical practice and pediatric care. RECENT FINDINGS:Weight stigma is highly prevalent among youth with high body weight, who are targets of weight-based victimization from peers, parents, and teachers. These experiences place youth at risk for psychological distress (primarily depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation), worse social and academic outcomes, and adverse physical health consequences including maladaptive eating behaviors, lower physical activity, substance use, and weight gain. Healthcare professionals and clinicians have important roles to play in efforts to help reduce weight stigma and support youth with obesity. Fundamental to these efforts is the use of supportive, compassionate, and non-stigmatizing communication with youth and their families.
Authors: Flóra Faragó; Sarah Savoy; Emily A Sanchez; Neusha Khaleghi; Lauren Evans; Emily L Adams; Edgar Palomino Journal: Arch Sex Behav Date: 2022-04-26
Authors: Dominique R Williams; Eileen Chaves; Nicole E Greenwood; Jennifer Kushner; Gayathri Chelvakumar; Shanna E Swaringen; Scott F Leibowitz Journal: Curr Obes Rep Date: 2022-09-02