How Bullying Affects Weight in Children and Teens
Title: How Bullying Affects Weight in Children and Teens
By Dr. Lisa Tritto, Pediatrician & Obesity Medicine Specialist
At Evora for Kids, we know that pediatric weight is about more than just numbers on a scale. It’s about the whole child—body, mind, and heart. One topic that comes up again and again in our clinic is bullying, and how it affects a child’s emotional and physical health, especially for those struggling with weight.
🚨 The Link Between Weight and Bullying
Research shows that kids with larger bodies are significantly more likely to be bullied than their peers. A large study published in Pediatrics found that children with obesity were up to 63% more likely to be bullied, even when factors like race, gender, and academic performance were taken into account.
And this isn’t just happening at school. Sadly, teasing can also come from siblings, extended family, or even well-meaning adults. These experiences leave lasting emotional scars and often affect how children view themselves.
💔 Emotional Toll of Weight-Based Bullying
Children and teens who are bullied about their weight are at increased risk for:
Low self-esteem
Anxiety and depression
Social withdrawal
Disordered eating behaviors (like binge eating or restrictive eating)
They may also begin to avoid activities they once enjoyed—especially physical activities like gym class or sports—out of fear of being judged or teased. This can contribute to a harmful cycle: bullying leads to emotional distress, reduced movement, and changes in eating habits, which can in turn affect weight and health.
🔁 The Cycle of Bullying and Health Changes
Weight-based bullying isn’t just a social issue—it can have real physical consequences. The stress of being bullied activates the body’s stress response, increasing levels of cortisol, a hormone that can contribute to weight gain and increased appetite, especially for high-calorie “comfort” foods.
This creates a vicious cycle:
A child is bullied about their weight.
They experience emotional stress and may eat to cope. They may also start restricting food intake which can lead to binge eating later.
Physical activity is avoided due to shame or fear.
Weight gain continues, and bullying may worsen.
What Families Can Do
There’s good news: awareness and support make a huge difference. Here’s how parents and caregivers can help:
Talk openly about bullying and body image.
Listen without judgment if your child shares that they’ve been teased or excluded.
Encourage self-worth by focusing on what your child can do—not just how they look.
Partner with professionals (like pediatric obesity specialists and therapists) who understand both the emotional and medical sides of weight.
At Evora for Kids, we create a compassionate, judgment-free space for kids to feel seen, heard, and supported. We work with families to build confidence, teach healthy habits, and address weight-related challenges with kindness and science—not shame.
Helpful Resources
StopBullying.gov – Learn how to recognize, respond to, and prevent bullying.
Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health – Research and resources on weight bias and stigma.
💬 If you’re worried your child is being bullied because of their weight, or if they’re struggling with emotional eating or body image, you’re not alone. Reach out to our team—we’re here to help.
📍Serving families in St Louis, Missouri and beyond via telehealth (Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio)
