Educators are paying attention to the “obesity achievement gap.” Some students who are obese or have larger bodies are doing worse in school. Experts want to know why. Teachers, while it may be subconsciously, tend to have a bias against children with obesity.
“If you have no friends or if there’s no one to trust —you can always find a teacher who you can feel safe with, you can always trust them, recalled “Stephanie” (her name is changed to protect her identity). “So, I would try, but they always pushed me away.”
Experts Seeking Answers to the ‘Obesity Achievement Gap’
Children who suffer from obesity often have other challenges as well—socially and emotionally. Obesity can affect a person’s physical body as well as emotions, relationships, and aspirations.
“Stephanie” has known this all too well. She recalls being overweight all of her life—beginning in elementary school. Other students would tease her about her size and eating choices. Teachers would put her in the back of the room because she would “block other students.” The shame she felt was relentless, and it affected her self-esteem.
RELATED: Maintaining a Healthy Balance: 12 Ways to Raise Up Strong, Active Kids
“Stephanie” isn’t the only student with a story like this.
According to The Hechinger Report, “nearly 20 percent of children in the U.S. — almost 15 million kids — were considered obese as of the 2020 school year, a number that has likely increased since the pandemic (new data is expected next year). The medical conditions associated with obesity, such as asthma, diabetes and sleep apnea, are well known. Children with obesity are also more likely to have depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.”
Further studies show how obesity has affected learning in children. Larger students are more likely to receive lower grades in core classes such as reading and math. They’re also more likely to be placed in remedial classes or repeat a grade.
Experts have learned more about the “obesity achievement gap.” Much of the lack of academic success could be attributed to reduced cortical thickness in the brain (which is related to executive function) or higher levels of cortisol (related to poor performance).
Schools are encouraged to include weight in their anti-bullying programs and initiatives. Many programs include race, gender identity, disability, and religious beliefs. But, few, if any, address weight.
