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Playground taunts may seem like harmless child’s play to some. But according to new research, bullying often keeps overweight children on the sidelines, making it more difficult for them to shed pounds.
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University of Florida psychologists say one out of every five children is chronically bullied. This can cause some kids to shun situations in which they’re often picked on… such as gym class and organized sports activities. U-F researchers surveyed one-hundred children ages eight through
eighteen who were patients in a university-based obesity clinic. As rates of peer taunting reported
by youngsters went up, rates of physical activity went down. Experts say overweight kids who
have negative attitudes toward team sports or athletics in general are likely to carry those feelings into adulthood… making it harder for them to maintain a healthy weight.
Dr. Eric Storch / UF psychologist
“Childhood is a time in which we form many of our habits which will hold over later. When one has multiple negative experiences centered around sports early on, this can lead into adulthood.”
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U-F researchers say gym teachers are the first line of defense, and should take a lead role in preventing playground bullying. But at home, parents of at-risk kids should look for signs that could indicate a problem at playtime, such as lack of interest in formerly rewarding physical activities or sudden weight gain. In some children, being bullied can be associated with depression, loneliness and anxiety, which also can contribute to decreased levels of physical activity.
Dr. Eric Storch / UF psychologist
“When kids are having such negative experiences, they begin to feel bad about that, begin to feel bad about themselves. And some of the side effects of this or the symptoms that co-occur are fatigue, not enjoying things they used to enjoy, which can then translate to reduced rates of physical activity.”
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At the University of Florida Health Science Center, I’m Mike Garrison
