Fat Shaming can Make Obese Kids Gain More Weight

Being fat shamed may lead to excess weight gain in kids, reports a new study. The findings of the study are published in the journal Pediatric Obesity.

Youth who said they were teased or ridiculed about their weight increased their body mass by 33 percent more each year, compared to a similar group who had not been teased, according to researchers at the National Institutes of Health.

The findings appear to contradict the belief that such teasing might motivate youth to change their behavior and attempt to lose weight. The study was conducted by Natasha A. Schvey, Ph.D., of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD, and colleagues at NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

‘Being teased about weight can make obese kids even fatter. So, stop fat shaming and start giving helpful advice to lose weight.’
Read More..

The study involved 110 youth who were an average of 11.8 years of age when they enrolled. The participants were either overweight (defined as a body mass index above the 85th percentile) when they began the study or had two parents who were overweight or obese. At enrollment, they completed a six-item questionnaire on whether they had been teased about their weight. They then participated in annual follow-up visits for the next 15 years.

The researchers found that youth experiencing high levels of teasing gained an average of .20 kg (.44 lbs) per year more than those who did not.

The authors theorize that weight-associated stigma may have made youths more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as binge eating and avoiding exercise.

Another possible explanation is that the stress of being teased could stimulate the release of the hormone cortisol, which may lead to weight gain.

Source: Eurekalert

'Fat Shaming' Doesn't Encourage Weight Loss, Says New Research

A new study funded by Cancer Research UK finds discrimination against overweight and obese people does not help them to lose weight.

Embarrassed Indian Health Ministry Removes 'Fat Shaming' Tweet After Outrage on Social Media

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) tweeted "What's your choice?", which showed a fat women depicting non-vegetarian and processed foods, while a lean women depicted vegetables and fruits. The tweet drew an outrage and was quickly ...

Mantra to Prevent Childhood Obesity – Vigorous Physical Activity

Being physically very active is the mantra to prevent pediatric obesity rather than concentrating efforts at restricting energy consumption.

Celebrity Fat Shaming can Cause Implicit Anti-Fat Attitudes in Women

Instances of celebrity fat-shaming may make women more judgemental of body shapes by subtly altering their attitudes towards weight, finds a new study.

Battle of the Bulge

The ‘battle of bulge’ is the toughest of all battles. Once you put on weight it is so difficult to get rid of it. Here are the best tips to fight off that extra flab.

Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health challenges in the developing countries and needs to be understood and tackled effectively.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is produced by the body (liver) and is essential for normal body functioning.

Cholesterol - The Enigma Chemical

The word 'Cholesterol' rings danger bells as soon as it is mentioned. This important chemical is important for the normal metabolism of the body and is dangerous only if present in excess.

Diet and Nutrition Tips for Athletes

Athletes can be physically fit by consuming a well balanced nutritious diet, which keeps them mentally alert not only during and after the sports events but all around the year. Here are some simple and essential diet and nutrition tips for athletes.