The growing children's obesity epidemic has become one of the nation's top public-health concerns. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), obesity in children has more than tripled since 1980. Now research reports that childhood obesity is linked to bullying at school. Kids who are bullied are more likely to avoid exercise at school, which increases the chance of becoming further overweight or obese.
The study, published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, examined the association between peer victimization and physical activity in at-risk-for-overweight and overweight children and adolescents. Researchers at the University of Florida reviewed data from 92 children and adolescents, aged 8 to 18 years. The researchers evaluated the participants with the Schwartz Peer Victimization Scale, Children's Depression Inventory--Short Form, Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, Social Physique Anxiety Scale, PACE+ Adolescent Physical Activity Measure, Asher Loneliness Scale and the Child Behavior Checklist. The measures assessed the magnitude of the bullying problem and its effect on the children's mood and behavior.
Researchers found that about 25 percent of the children reported significant problems with bullies at school. As bullying among overweight children increased, rates of physical activity decreased. Findings also revealed that the children who were bullied had more depression, loneliness and anxiety, which lowered rates of physical activity even more.
"Recognition of the magnitude of the problem and the means of evaluating for peer victimization is important for clinicians who work with overweight youth." the study authors write. "Assessing peer experiences may assist in understanding rates of physical activity and/or past nonadherence to clinician recommendations."
REFERENCES:
1. Storch EA et al. Peer victimization, psychosocial adjustment, and physical activity in overweight and at-risk-for-overweight youth. J Pepsy 2006 April 6, published online.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on October 26, 2006 02:44 PM
