Objective: : To identify demographic correlates and moderators of weight-based stigmatization in a diverse sample of children and adolescents.
Method: : A total of 157 children/adolescents aged 7 to 17 years and their parents participated in this study, and the following measurements were used: demographic questionnaire, child weight and height, figure ranking weight-based stigmatization, and body dissatisfaction.
Results: : Weight-based stigmatization was greater among younger children and females. Gender moderated the relationship between age and weight-based stigmatization, with significant differences in endorsement of weight bias between child and adolescent females. Gender also moderated the relationship between race and weight-based stigmatization, with African-American females endorsing significantly lower levels of weight-based stigmatization than white females. Body dissatisfaction moderated the relationship between degree of overweight and weight-based stigmatization and served as a protective buffer from endorsement of weight-based stigmatization among children with greater degree of overweight but low body dissatisfaction.
Conclusion: : Weight-based stigmatization is prevalent, with certain age groups and populations at particular risk for its endorsement. Identification of correlates and moderators of weight-based stigmatization can inform the design of effective interventions to reduce its profound negative impact on children who are overweight or obese.