
pmid: 38853703
Abstract Objective Research has highlighted the potential adverse effects of weight bias internalization (WBI) on adolescents, but there has been little examination of WBI and sources of weight teasing (family, peers, or both) or across racial/ethnic diversity of adolescents. We aimed to examine the relationship between WBI and sources of weight teasing across sociodemographic characteristics and weight status in a diverse community sample of adolescents. Methods Data were collected from a U.S. sample of 1859 adolescents aged 10–17 years (59% female; 43% White, 27% Black or African American, and 25% Latino). An online questionnaire was used to assess participants’ experiences of weight teasing from family members, peers, or both, and their weight status, weight-related goals, WBI, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results Adolescents experiencing weight teasing from both family and peers reported the highest levels of WBI, while those reporting no teasing exhibited the lowest levels. These patterns were observed across sex, race/ethnicity, weight status, and weight goals, and persisted after controlling for depressive symptoms. Notably, family influences played a salient role, with adolescents reporting higher WBI if teased by family only compared to teasing from peers only. Sex and racial differences were also observed in adolescents’ experiences with weight-based teasing. Conclusion Our study reveals associations between adolescent weight-based teasing, WBI, and sociodemographic factors. Weight-based teasing, whether from family and peers or from family only, was associated with increased WBI. Interventions targeting weight stigma in youth should not be limited to peer-focused efforts, but should also emphasize supportive family communication.
Male, Sociodemographic Factors, Adolescent, White, Body Mass Index, Body Image, Ethnicity, Humans, Family, Child, Demography, Stereotyping, Depression, Body Weight, Racial Groups, Bullying, Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, Female, Goals
Male, Sociodemographic Factors, Adolescent, White, Body Mass Index, Body Image, Ethnicity, Humans, Family, Child, Demography, Stereotyping, Depression, Body Weight, Racial Groups, Bullying, Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, Female, Goals
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 4 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
