Teasing children about their weights is a factor that creates both over- and underweight teenagers, according to a new study from the University of Minnesota.

Children who were teased about their weights were later more likely to become to become overweight and/or participate in extreme weight control habits such as vomiting or taking diet pills.

Researchers led by Dr. Diane Neumark-Sztainer surveyed 2,516 teenagers and found several other factors also put them at risk for extreme weight control measures including having a dieting mother, being preoccupied with weight, being teased by peers about weight issues, and reading diet magazines. However, teasing by family members was the biggest risk factor.

"It points to a need for extreme sensitivity when dealing with overweight kids," Dr. Neumark-Sztainer said. "My message is talk less, do more. If you put healthy food on the table, kids will eat it."

This study appears in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine

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Labels: influences, pressures, relationships