On January 27, 2025, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET, NCCOR hosted its Connect & Explore webinar titled “Understanding Weight Stigma: Impacts on Families and Youth.” Weight stigma refers to the societal devaluation of people because of their body weight or body size. While children and youth may experience weight stigma from peers, teachers, and health care providers, research shows that parents can be a primary source of weight bias for children with obesity.
During this 1-hour webinar, experts discussed the psychosocial and health impacts of weight stigma and bias on children and adolescents, with a focus on how familial interaction and communication influence these outcomes. Presentations highlighted recent research on the relevance of weight bias to public health, the role of parent-child conversations about weight, and broader mental health implications for youth. This webinar featured:
- Rebecca Puhl, PhD, MS, Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, University of Connecticut
- Katherine M. Rancaño, PhD, MS, RAND Corporation