Teasing, Disordered Eating Behaviors, and Psychological Morbidities Among Overweight Adolescents

Abstract

Overweight adolescents teased about their weight are at risk for disordered eating thoughts and behaviors and psychological morbidities. Health-care providers should involve parents and youth in discussing teasing concerns. Furthermore, parents, schools, and communities should consider enacting policies to decrease or prohibit teasing. Future research is needed to further explore relationships between teasing and psychological functioning.