Weight-based victimization toward overweight adolescents: Observations and reactions of peers
Weight-based victimization has become increasingly reported among overweight youth, but little is known about adolescents’ perceptions and observations of weight-based teasing and bullying. This study examined adolescents’ observations of and reactions to weight-based victimization toward overweight students at school.
Participants perceived being overweight as a primary reason that peers are victimized at school. At least 84% of participants observed overweight students being teased in a mean way and teased during physical activities, and 65% to 77% of students observed overweight and obese peers being ignored, avoided, excluded from social activities, having negative rumors spread about them, and being teased in the cafeteria. Most students also observed verbal threats and physical harassment toward overweight and obese students. Although the majority of participants felt comfortable stepping in to help an overweight peer who has been teased, many remain passive bystanders following these incidents.
Full citation: Puhl RM, Luedicke J, Heuer C. Weight-based victimization toward overweight adolescents: observations and reactions of peers. J Sch Health. 2011;81(11):696-703. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1746-1561.2011.00646.x