It is likely that many diverse factors have contributed to the current obesity epidemic. Fast food, less activity, trans fats, viruses, big portions, and so on have all been blamed for our increasing waistlines. The more we understand the phenomenon, the better equipped we are to deal with it.
Adina Lemeshow and her colleagues have added a new consideration–social status [1]. Teen girls were asked to rate themselves on a ten point social standing scale, with 10 representing people with the most respect and highest standing and a 1 representing people “no one wants to hang around with.” Girls who rated themselves less than 5 were 69 percent more likely to experience a two unit or more increase in BMI over the following two years, even after other factors such as socioeconomic status, TV viewing habits, mother’s BMI, and depression were controlled.
The social landscape of the teen can be brutal, and the contribution of a teen’s perceived social status to his or her well-being cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately, this trend is likely to spiral. As the teen gains more weight, she is likely to experience additional stigma from the peer group. At least an increased understanding of how teen health is shaped by the peer group may lead to more effective interventions.
1. Lemeshow, A.R., Fisher, L., Goodman, E., Kawachi, I., Berkey, C.S., & Colditz (2008). Subjective social status in the school and change in adiposity in female adolescents: Findings from a prospective cohort study. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 162, 23-28.
5 Comments
bblaine · January 8, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Teen girls need to know the proper way to eat. If bags of apples or small healthy snacks are replaced by other fatty foods, they can start feeling better about themselves and in the process gain a desire to go to the gym. Peer pressure to be thin is a problem, but a bigger problem is the readily available fatty foods in this country that Americans still choose to eat over healthier foods. The obesity problem needs to be fixed before worrying about peer pressure that would be there no matter what a girl looked like, i.e. big nose or any other “not beautiful” features.
aoneil · January 10, 2008 at 1:00 pm
The early years of life- particularly the friends we make, the influence of our peers, the support of our parents- shape who we become. Whether we’re quiet and reserved, loud and outgoing, confident or insecure depends on the circumstances. Teens who are constantly bullied and don’t fit in with their peers might suffer from low self- esteem and other emotional problems. They might cope with stress by binging, which leads to obesity and other health problems. Or, the might respond by not eating not at all, which is becoming more popular with the increasing pressure for teens to fit in with their peers and match a certain body image. For women, it’s long legs, a small waist, and perfect skin; for men, it’s large muscles and a “nice butt”. Instead of encouraging teens be someone they’re not, society should encourage them to be proud of whom they are. Because the truth is, we can’t find happiness until we learn to respect ourselves.
klmoore · January 15, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Teens constantly are challenged by peers and other outside pressures. This is a vital time for them to develop healthy eating and lifestyle habits; however this becomes difficult when other life events get in the way. During childhood, family values and beliefs are forced upon most children. This should include parents example of a healthy eating style by incorporating planned healthy family meals together, or packing healthy bagged lunches. If a child is given healthy alternatives to snack foods and taught early on how delicious these foods can be, eating healthy will be viewed as a reward instead of a punishment. Parents are extremely important mentors in teaching their children how to eat right, stay active, enjoy life, and as a result avoid health issues.
Laura Freberg · January 18, 2008 at 10:58 am
The influence of friends and family on a person’s weight is beginning to get a lot of attention. If you liked this post, you might want to check out this older one:
http://laurafreberg.com/blog/?p=103
Social standing predicts teens’ weight gain…. by diet.MEDtrials.info · January 8, 2008 at 2:08 pm
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