Adolescents' Experiences of Weight-Related Bullying in the School Setting-A Qualitative Study.

AIM: Obesity is a stigmatised disease, and weight-related bullying is the most common form of victimisation. This study aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of adolescents' experiences of such victimisation and related interventions.

METHODS

Data were collected between April and October 2025 through semi-structured interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants were Swedish adolescents aged 12-19 years, primarily recruited from obesity units.

RESULTS

The analysis generated three main themes. My body is the problem reflects how weight-related bullying is experienced in everyday contexts and how adolescents encounter pervasive messages devaluing their bodies and self-worth. When the school turns a blind eye illustrates how the school fails to protect and at times becomes part of the problem. I'm ruined for life captures how bullying erodes trust, self-confidence, and optimism about the future.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents report that weight-related bullying has substantial negative effects on both their current and future well-being. They also perceive that schools do not take such bullying seriously enough. Healthcare providers should routinely assess whether adolescents with obesity experience weight-related bullying and respond appropriately. Schools must recognise weight-related bullying as a pervasive issue and implement strategies that do not place responsibility on the victim.