Fat, plain, but not friendless: self-esteem and peer acceptance of obese pre-adolescent girls

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Poor self-esteem is assumed, but not consistently found, in obese children and adolescents. The aims of this study were a detailed analysis of body weight influences on self-esteem and peer acceptance in pre-adolescent girls.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional comparison of girls in four weight (body mass index (BMI)) groups; underweight (<10%), normal weight (10–85%), overweight (85–95%), and obese (>95%).

MEASURES: Assessments of body weight and height, body shape preference, self-esteem and peer nominations of popularity and attractiveness were collected from 313 girls aged 9 y.

RESULTS: Obese and overweight girls had significantly lower physical appearance and athletic competence self-esteem than their normal weight peers. Body weight had no impact on girls’ rated importance of self-esteem domains. Heavier girls were significantly less likely to be peer nominated as pretty, but did not differ in their popularity.

CONCLUSIONS: Prior to adolescence, physical appearance rather than global self-esteem is affected by overweight, and popularity preserved. Further research is required into the mechanisms of peer influence, and its consequences, in obese and overweight young adolescents.