Abstract

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 16th, 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, PsychINFO, 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 were not explicitly measured. RESULTS: The search yielded 3572 articles and nineteen studies were included in the final analysis. Experiences of weight-based teasing occurred more frequently among girls than boys. Peers were a more common source of weight-based teasing compared to family. Weight-based teasing was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in both the 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. SUMMARY: Weight-based teasing from peers and family is associated with depressive symptoms, and females are more psychologically vulnerable than males. Interventions are required to reduce weight-based teasing and its harmful psychological effects.