Obese kids more likely to be bullied
To anyone who was ever taunted for being even a little pudgy as a kid, this is not surprising. But the study, appearing in the latest issue of Pediatrics, sheds light on yet another negative impact of the nation's childhood obesity epidemic.
The study of 821 third, fifth and sixth graders based on reports from parents and teachers, found that children who were obese were 63 percent more likely to be the target of bullies. Consider that impact on the 17 percent of 6- to 11-year-olds estimated to be are obese.
The study implies that it's obesity that attracts the merciless teasing. But could being bullied actually lead to being obese instead of the other way around?
The researchers say likely not. They address that concern and other questions about child bullying in this Q&A with the Chicago Tribune.
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