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Weight-based stigmatization in children

International Journal of Obesity volume 25, pages 1661–1666 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine sex differences in children's weight-based stigmatization.

DESIGN: School-based sample of children evaluating qualities of children of varying weights.

SUBJECTS: Thirty-four children (age, 7–9 y; body mass index (BMI) 12.1–31.2 kg/m2).

MEASURES: Drawings of children that varied by sex (boy, girl) and weight (thin, average, chubby) were presented to children. Parents provided written consent and demographic data.

RESULTS: Children evaluated drawings of thin children most favorably and drawings of chubby children least favorably. Thin girls were rated more favorably than average or chubby girls, for whom ratings did not differ significantly. Conversely, chubby boys were rated less favorably than average or thin boys for whom ratings did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSION: These patterns may further explain gender differences in motivation to lose weight.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the following individuals for their assistance: Bill Prescott, Dana Hahn, Susan Fieselman, and the children and parents who participated in this study.

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  1. Harvard University Department of Psychology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

    KA Kraig & PK Keel

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  1. KA Kraig
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  2. PK Keel
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Correspondence to PK Keel.

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Kraig, K., Keel, P. Weight-based stigmatization in children. Int J Obes 25, 1661–1666 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801813

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