The Association Between Weight-Based Teasing from Peers and Family in Childhood and Depressive Symptoms in Childhood and Adulthood: A Systematic Review

Recent Findings Depressive symptoms may be a psychological correlate of weight-based teasing from peers and/or family. However, it is unclear whether the association of weight-based teasing with depressive symptoms differs by time (short term vs. long term), sex (males vs. females), or source (family vs. peers). Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to (1) examine whether the frequency of weight-based teasing differs according to sex and source and; (2) examine whether the association of weight-based teasing with depressive symptoms varies according to time, sex, and source. Methods On February 16, 2018, a combination of keywords within three concepts, (i) children and adults, (ii) weight-based teasing source, and (iii) mental health outcomes, were searched in four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science) for relevant articles. Cross-sectional and longitudinal original research articles were included, and studies were excluded if the relationship between weight-based teasing and depressive symptoms was not explicitly measured. Results The search yielded 3572 articles, and nineteen studies were included in the final analysis. Experiences of weight-based teasing occurred significantly more among girls than boys. Weight-based teasing was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in both short and long term. Weight-based teasing exhibited a greater association with depressive symptoms in girls vs. boys and when it came from multiple sources than from either source alone. However, it remains uncertain whether one source of teasing is more common than the other, since only two studies found peers to be a more common source of weight-based teasing compared to family. Summary Weight-based teasing from peers and family is associated with depressive symptoms, and girls are more psychologically vulnerable than boys. Interventions are required to reduce weight-based teasing and its harmful psychological effects.