Discussing Weight

Talking with children and adolescents about overweight or obesity should be done in a non-judgmental, non-stigmatizing manner.

Keep in mind that most children and adolescents already receive negative messages from the media and their peers about overweight. Some who have overweight may experience bullying.

The most effective and respectful approach to discussing weight with children and adolescents focuses on improving their health. Rather than blaming them for their weight (such as by saying they lack “willpower”), it is best to work with children and adolescents to develop healthier patterns of eating and physical activity.

The following resources provide guidance on how healthcare providers and family members can talk to children and adolescents about weight in a manner that promotes health, well-being and positive self-concept.

Understanding the Problem of Stigma

Stigma Experienced by Children and Adolescents with Obesity opens in new window

In 2017, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement defining weight stigma, how it develops and the psychological, social and physical health consequences of such stigma. AAP offers recommendations for healthcare providers and resources for community members to address weight stigma. (PDF, 815KB)

Resources for Families

How to Talk to Kids about Weight opens in new window

A brief guide from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with practical tips for discussing weight with kids and what to do if a child brings up the subject.

Weigh In: Talking to Your Children About Weight + Health opens in new window

A conversation guide for families from the STOP Obesity Alliance on how to talk with children about weight and health that covers topics such as body image and bullying and provides concrete suggestions for positive conversations.

Resources for Health Care Providers

Fostering Positive Weight-Related Conversations opens in new window

A knowledge translation casebook developed for health professionals to talk with children, adolescents and their families about healthy living and weight.

Why Weight? A Guide to Discussing Obesity & Health with Your Patients

A healthcare provider discussion tool from the STOP Obesity Alliance to aid providers in having more effective conversations about weight and health with their patients. This tool provides general guidelines that are not specific to children and adolescents.

Provider Competencies for the Prevention and Management of Obesity opens in new window

These competencies were developed through the leadership of the Bipartisan Policy Center by more than 20 leading health organizations. The competencies cover the range of skills necessary to provide appropriate care for individuals with overweight and obesity and are applicable to all health care providers engaged in obesity prevention and management.

Last updated: January 2023Date created: 2018