This
fall, Biggest Loser star Jillian Michaels announced she would be back on the
show this January. But this time her contestants won’t just be adults – each
team will also include three children between the ages of 13-17.
On the
Today show, Michaels explained the show’s intent to bring awareness to
childhood obesity and promote healthy living. She also notes that they plan to
be more sensitive in their coaching methods, given the controversial issue. Yet,
while the effort may be well intended, it still has the potential to send
harmful messages to young people about body image and acceptance. In addition,
it could reinforce the stigmas about heavier individuals.
According
to research on anti-fat prejudice in children, weight stigma and prejudice
begins as early as five years of age1. This trend has become present
in younger age groups over recent years, yet the prevalence of childhood
obesity has risen. An article by the American Psychological Association
analyzed existing research on weight stigma in children and adolescents and
concludes with the thought, “[W]e have often been asked the question, ‘Isn’t
stigma helpful in motivating weight loss?’ If it were, then the increase in
stigmatization of obese children over the past 40 years should have been
accompanied by a decrease in childhood obesity rather than by the recent
alarming increase.”2 University of Minnesota researcher Dianne Neumark-Sztainer also asks, “Can we foster the
development of physical and social environments that promote healthy eating and
physical activity and promote the acceptance of diverse body shapes and sizes?
This is a crucial question because we clearly need to modify our environment to
make it easier to engage in healthier lifestyle behaviors. Yet, we certainly do
not want to create a situation that further stigmatizes overweight persons.”3
Is this
a situation that could further stigmatize overweight youth, or will it genuinely
promote their long-term health? I fully agree that it is essential we address
the health of our youth and work to come up with real solutions. Yet, I’m not
convinced that putting them on the national weight loss stage will provide them
positive motivation for health and lasting feelings of well-being for the
future.
What do
you think about this new series development and its impact on childhood
obesity?
To read more:
References
1. Penny H, Haddock J. Anti-fat prejudice among children:
The “mere proximity” effect in 5–10 year olds. J Exper Soc Psych 2007; 43:4,
678-683.
2. Puhl
R, Latner J. Stigma, Obesity, and the Health of the Nation’s Children. Psychological
Bulletin, American Psychological Association.
2007, Vol. 133, No. 4, 557–580
3. Neumark
Sztainer, D. Can we Simultaneously Work toward the
Prevention of Obesity and Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents? Int J
Eat Disord 2005; 38:220–227
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