Preventing Weight-Based BULLYING Many people living in higher-weight bodies have experienced stigma and discrimination. One manifestation of this is weight- based bullying. Weight-based bullying doesn’t just happen to youth who have a higher weight body. Bullying happens to youth of all sizes. Some children perpetuate a fear in others of becoming larger or they may bully others because they perceive them as too skinny. Children and youth who are self- conscious about their weight or express a sensitivity about their body image may be especially prone to the negative fallout from bullying, including the use of unhealthy weight control behaviors, putting them at risk for developing an eating disorder. Fear of being laughed at or bullied can contribute to isolation from peers. Mental health consequences may include depression and anxiety. Children who are bullied may also experience low self-esteem and behavioral problems. Bullying can even affect a child’s physical health, resulting in increased blood pressure and other physiological stress reactions. Weight-based bullying doesn’t only happen among youth; adults sometimes contribute to this problem. For example, athletic coaches or health counselors may make weight-related comments to or about youths in front of their peers. 26
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