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Parents of overweight children worry more about their children being bullied than they do about their children being overweight, according to a new study from the University of Michigan.

The National Poll on Children's Health surveyed parents of children ages six to 13. Among all parents in the survey, childhood obesity ranked as the number one health concern. Among parents of overweight children, however, bullying ranked first. Parents of overweight children were twice as likely to be overweight themselves.

"In many families, obesity is a two-generation phenomenon," said Dr. Matthew M. Davis, director of the poll. "Since bullying is known to be a problem for children with increased weight, bullying prevention programs will need to be mindful of obesity."

About 66 percent of parents said they limit the amount of junk food and the time their children spend in front of computer and television screens.

Labels: peers, bullying, bullies

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Since so many children are overweight, does this mean that heavy children are less likely to be bullied and teased at school? The answer is no, according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics.

• Prof. Julie Lumeng and her colleagues at the University of Michigan analyzed bullying incidents among 821 children ages 8 to 11 years old.
• The researchers assessed the children in third, fifth and sixth grades.
• Overweight children were much more likely to be bullied, regardless of their gender, race, socioeconomic status, academic achievement, social skills, or school demographic profile.

"This study speaks to the deep prejudice against children who are obese," said Dr. Lumeng. "They are viewed as lazy and lacking self-control, although we know the reasons for obesity are so much more complex than that. ... No matter how much we retested, the findings were very robust. Obese kids are more likely to be bullied."

Previous studies have shown that overweight children who experienced bullying are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.

Labels: depression, anxiety, bullies

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