In today’s world, hearing about weight is unavoidable. It’s all over traditional media and advertising, and it’s even more prevalent on social media. In fact, weight-related content is so common on social media that it has been shown to directly affect the self-worth of children and adolescents, not to mention adults. Keeping children away from social media may seem like an ideal option, but it’s often unrealistic. The best way to combat this messaging is by talking to your child about their bodies in a positive, helpful manner. Read on to learn more about how weight-related talk impacts children.
When did you first hear adults talking about weight? Conversations about weight are often so prevalent that it can be hard to avoid them, even at a young age. Maybe your parents expressed concerns about their own weight, or even yours, not thinking you heard them. An aunt or uncle may be trying a new diet every other week, and you wonder why they never seem to be eating the same thing as everyone else at family gatherings. All of this is telling you one thing: some weights are good, and some weights are bad.
Childhood obesity is a real problem: according to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 5 children and adolescents has obesity. However, conversations about childhood obesity tend to lean on numbers and appearance markers, rather than health and wellness. This causes children to see their weight as a problem to be solved, rather than an indicator of potential health issues. The focus is often placed on food restriction (calories in=calories out!) rather than a comprehensive lifestyle plan that is more likely to yield long-term results. This can lead to disordered eating habits and frustration with a constant yo-yo of the number on the scale.
Being more mindful about how you talk about your child’s weight can help them create a healthier relationship with food and exercise. However, you also need to stop and consider how you talk about your own weight around children. We tend to be our own worst critics. When children hear you talking negatively about your weight, they may develop an understanding that weight is a source of shame or achievement. Try to avoid comparing yourself to others or talking about your weight or other people’s weight around your child. This can be hard to do, but it can help your child (and maybe even you) form a healthier relationship with weight.
The best way to help your child understand how weight affects them is to empower them to build a healthy relationship with their bodies. This may involve some introspection, as you have likely been receiving mixed messaging about weight since your own childhood. Give yourself and your child grace as you navigate through focusing more on health than the number on the scale.
If you notice your child rapidly losing or gaining weight, gently investigate it. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, roughly 8.6% of females and 4% of males develop an eating disorder at some point during their lives. Most people develop these disorders in adolescence and early adulthood. If this sounds like your child, consider seeking professional help. Negative weight messaging can be insidious, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
As a weight loss doctor, I help adults navigate their relationships with weight and health every day. If you need help figuring out how to talk to your child about weight management in a positive, helpful way, I am always here to help.
