Beyond Bullying: Weightism as a Weapon 
by Dena Cabrera

The topic of weight is in the news a great deal these days. With weight loss being the number one New Year’s resolution and the promotional sales for gym memberships and equipment, you can’t escape it. A new campaign was even launched to fight obesity.  A recent organization’s campaign “Stop Sugarcoating” which aims at trying to increase parental awareness of childhood obesity has captured nationwide attention (www.strong4life.com).  However, instead of helping children and families, this campaign has the potential to do more harm than good. These ads shame youth who are overweight and reinforce societal prejudice against children who do not have an “ideal” body type.  By publically exposing these kids in such a way, it actually lends to legitimizing cultural “weightism,” and public bullying of overweight kids. We know bullying is a problem. What is covered to a lesser degree are the untold numbers of young people throughout our country who are stereotyped and criticized on a daily basis because of their weight. This is extremely troubling as weight bullying can profoundly contribute to shame, depression, anxiety, learned helplessness, and low self-esteem in young people.

Research indicates that 60 percent of bullying or teasing about weight comes from family members. Perhaps the thought process is that if a child is joked with, or lovingly teased, for being overweight by family members, it will result in weight loss. Unfortunately, the exact opposite is the case. Evidence suggests that when kids are teased about their weight, they are more reluctant to exercise or engage in physical activity, due to the fear of being ridiculed. This perpetuates the cycle of lack of exercise and undoubtedly inhibits a child from engaging in group sports. A child is more likely to turn to food for comfort, exacerbating the problem further.

The bottom line is that bullying is abuse, no matter to whom it is inflicted. And when it concerns a child’s weight, it can be particularly devastating. Children, who are bullied about weight in their preteen years, are highly susceptible to developing negative self image and body dissatisfaction, which can last into adulthood.

Additionally, a child may feel abandoned and vulnerable because few people will actually defend a child that is being teased about their weight. Although our culture is highly sensitive to taunts about sex, religion or race, if anything, “weightism” is not only accepted, but on the rise. Indeed, it is considered by many to be the last form of socially acceptable prejudice. The negative comments about size and shape we routinely hear in the media often go without comment or objection.

Low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction aren’t the only ramifications of early bullying, especially for females. The shame and embarrassment felt by overweight girls can lead to an eating disorder. In fact, at Remuda Ranch, patients often report that the bullying they received as a child led to extreme dieting, which eventually led to anorexia or bulimia.

 Here are the steps we can take to reduce bullying in today’s world:

Families should create an environment of “Zero Tolerance” and understand that bullying of anyone at any time for any reason is unacceptable. If a parent suspects a child is the victim of bullying, they should rally support from teachers, school administrators, and counselors. If it continues, then steps should be taken to involve legislators for change.

Parents are key in creating a home environment that fosters healthful eating and physical activity. The last thing any parent wants to see is a child being teased or ridiculed, especially when it can be avoided.  If you are a parent, you have a tremendous amount of power when it comes to what your child eats and the amount of activity that child engages in. If warranted, harness that power today and help your children to have a healthier and more balanced life.  We all have to work together.

As far as the ad is concerned, social responsibility starts with pulling the ads, and then advocating messaging that are positive and will do no harm. To help initiate change in the current climate of weightism, and make the real changes needed to help children and families undergoing struggles with bullying and learn steps to truly help them.