Bullying Impact How Teasing About Someone's Weight Can Affect Their Body Image By Sherri Gordon Sherri Gordon Facebook Twitter Sherri Gordon is a published author and a bullying prevention expert. She's also a contributor to SleepCare.com and the former editor of Columbia Parent, with countless years of experience writing and researching health and social issues. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 22, 2021 Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim LinkedIn Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print Phil Boorman / Getty Images Although anyone can be bullied for just about anything, weight always seems to attract the attention of bullies. Tweens and teens who have a low weight, those who have obesity, and even those that have a healthy weight can be targeted. Often targeted because of the way they look, kids who are bullied because of how much they weigh or the way their bodies look often become dissatisfied with how they look. The end result is a body image problem. Body image has to do with how people think about their size and their shape and is an important part of identity. In fact, how a young person views their body directly relates to how they think about themself as a whole. Consequently, a negative body image can lead to low self-esteem, which in turn, leads to other problems. In fact, many people with negative body images struggle with eating disorders, depression, and may even engage in self-harming behaviors. The Problem With Weight Teasing For children with overweight, losing weight is not easy. But when you add in bullying, it becomes even more difficult. These kids can feel trapped, alone, and helpless to change their situations. What’s more, it is not just school bullies who are initiating weight teasing. Studies have shown that the victim's friends, teachers, coaches, and even their parents might participate. They use subtle forms of bullying or relational aggression to bully and tease. Or, they may use what is called a “license to comment.” In other words, they feel it is acceptable to make comments about the person’s weight. They also might comment on what they are eating, what they order in restaurants, their clothes, and how they spend their time. Most of the time, these weight-related comments sound like helpful hints. But in reality, the words are judgmental and critical, and kids get the message loud and clear. They feel bad about themselves and their bodies, which results in a negative body image. Weight teasing also can create a vicious cycle where these kids begin to eat more to get rid of negative feelings. Then, they experience guilt and shame afterward, and the cycle repeats itself. There also is some evidence that children with overweight who are subjected to weight-related teasing are less likely to exercise. They are not being lazy. Instead, they fear that they will be made fun of during their activities. Or, they worry that others will judge or criticize how fast they can run or how many push-ups they can do. How Long-Term Bullying Affects Those Victimized What Can Be Done? Most people think that the first step to dealing with weight-related bullying is to help a child lose weight (or gain weight, depending on the situation). But really, the child cannot focus on losing weight and getting healthy while dealing with cutting remarks and criticisms. As a result, the bullying and teasing has to stop first. If your child has experienced weight-related bullying, focus on building acceptance for who they are instead of focusing on losing or gaining weight. Children need to be happy with who they are to recover from negative body image. Losing or gaining weight is secondary. If you or other family members are making comments about your child’s weight, stop immediately. And, if the bullying is happening at school, it needs to be addressed right away. Make a commitment to report the bullying to the principal. Ask what they plan to do to keep your child emotionally safe at school. Meanwhile, you can help your child overcome bullying by encouraging them to reframe their thinking and focus what is good about who they are. Once the bullying has been dealt with, you can begin by promoting healthy eating and exercise habits. In addition, you should help boost self-esteem and resilience by focusing on positive attributes and not on weight. Also, avoid congratulating your child on weight loss. Instead, encourage them to participate in activities that will build self-confidence and general fitness. And congratulate them on their success in those areas. Doing so will show your child that their worth is not tied up in their appearance. The Cause and Effect of Bullying in Kids With Obesity Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 5 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Puhl RM, King KM. Weight discrimination and bullying. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrin Metab. 2013;27(2):117-127. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2012.12.002 Himmelstein MS, Puhl RM. Weight-based victimization from friends and family: implications for how adolescents cope with weight stigma. Pediatr Obes. 2019;14(1):e12453. doi:10.1111/ijpo.12453 Puhl RM, Luedicke J. Weight-based victimization among adolescents in the school setting: emotional reactions and coping behaviors. J Youth Adolescence. 2012;41:27-40. doi:10.1007/s10964-011-9713-z Vartanian LR, Wharton CM, Green EB. Appearance vs. health motives for exercise and for weight loss. Psychol Sport Exerc. 2012;13(3):251-6. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.12.005 Brown CL, Skelton JA, Perrin EM, Skinner AC. Behaviors and motivations for weight loss in children and adolescents. Obesity. 2016;24(2):446-452. doi:10.1002/oby.21370