Teasing About Weight Can Affect Pre-Teens Profoundly, Study Suggests

So don't nutritionally abuse your kids if you really care.

Schoolyard taunts of any type can potentially damage a child's sense of self-confidence. But a new study suggests that a particular kind of teasing -- about weight -- can have distinctive and significant effects on how pre-teens perceive their own bodies.

The research, among the first to specifically examine the impact of weight-based criticism on pre-adolescents, also hints that the practice can cause other health and emotional issues for its victims.

The "victims" are not from the alleged taunts.

The victims are from their abusive parents.

Put the responsibility where it really lies.