Bariatric Surgery May Reduce Bullying

Written by: Jessica George

Unfortunately, many children and adolescents are all too aware of the effects of bullying due to personal experience. Many instances of bullying tends to stem from an individual's appearances, quite often including weight.

Being Bullied Over Weight

Just a few years ago, roughly 30 percent of sixth grade girls were bullied because of their weight. Though this number was lower for boys, it was only about 6 percent lower. Sadly, weight has become such a controversial topic in society that bullying has become even more prevalent. Society tends to set standards for how we should look, and those who do not conform to such appearances are often put down because of it.

It used to be that children who were bullied at school had a reprieve from their torment when they were at home. However, in today's digital age, bullying tends to follow them wherever they go. Whether through texting or social media, children and adolescents often have a difficult time escaping the never ending nasty comments.

Many children and adolescents who are overweight, even if only slightly, are pushed to the brink through bullying. They often feel helpless to either be confident about their bodies or to get to a healthier weight. Studies have shown that the third most common cause of death among children and adolescents is suicide. Had many of these individuals not been bullied, they may very well still be alive.

Helping a Bullied Child or Adolescent

If you are concerned about a child or adolescent being bullied, there are some things you can do to help.

• Reassure them that there is nothing wrong with them. Compliments can make them feel a lot better when they are down.

• Talk to the child and listen to their fears and feelings. Sometimes talking things out can make a huge difference.

• Take your child to the doctor to determine if he or she really is overweight.

• If your child is clinically overweight, help him or her to make lifestyle changes that will promote weight loss, such as healthier eating or more exercise.

• If your child continuously works toward losing weight but is making little to no progress, you may consider bariatric surgery later on. While bariatric surgery Washington DC may not be a good option for young children or adolescents, it may help as they begin to become young adults in leading a healthier lifestyle and reducing the bullying they receive.