Adolescents’ point of view on weight-based bullying and potentially effective intervention strategies

Authors

  • Annie Aimé Université du Québec en Outaouais
  • Cynthia Gagnon Université du Québec en Outaouais
  • Line Leblanc Université du Québec en Outaouais
  • Josée Gagnon ÉquiLibre
  • Caroline Trudeau ÉquiLibre
  • Roxanne Léonard ÉquiLibre

Keywords:

weight-based bullying, explanatory factors, consequences, intervention strategies, adolescents

Abstract

Weight-based bullying is frequently observed among high-school students. The objective of this study was to explore adolescents’ point of view on this phenomenon and on the strategies to counter it. To this end, focus group interviews were conducted with 19 adolescents, aged 14 to 17 years old. The interviews explored this specific type of bullying, the explanatory factors, the consequences, and the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of interventions strategies. The adolescents interviewed suggested that weight-based bullying is subtle and has significant consequences. They mentioned that strategies aiming at mobilizing adults and peers toward those who are bullied and at providing them with emotional support should be prioritized. However, sanctions and surveillance should be avoided.

Author Biographies

Annie Aimé, Université du Québec en Outaouais

is a Full Professor of psychoeducation and psychology at the Université du Québec en Outaouais (Canada). Her research focuses on weight stigmatization, disordered eating, mental health, and body image in youth and adults. She developed the program Simple me aimed at preventing weight-based bullying and at developing a positive body image in elementary school. She is one of the co-founders of the Academy of Body Image, Eating problems, and Health, and of Imavi, where she works as a psychologist and a clinical supervisor. annie.aime@uqo.ca

Cynthia Gagnon, Université du Québec en Outaouais

holds a doctorate degree in psychology from the Université du Québec à Montréal and works at Imavi as a clinical psychologist. She holds two post-doctoral degrees and specializes in eating disorders, body image, and weight issues. cynthia.gagnon.psy@gmail.com

Line Leblanc, Université du Québec en Outaouais

is a retired professor from the Université du Québec en Outaouais. Her research focuses on evaluating the adoption and pre-implantation of innovative psychosocial practices. Ethics is central to her training activities and she is a member of the Clinical Ethics Committee of the Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de l'Outaouais. Leblanc@uqo.ca

Josée Gagnon, ÉquiLibre

obtained a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nutrition at the Université de Laval. Afterwards, she was an evaluation manager for the organization ÉquiLibre, as well as a research professional in various universities.

Caroline Trudeau, ÉquiLibre

is a nutritionist-dietitian and member of the Ordre des diététistes nutritionnistes du Québec since 2003. Her strong interest in eating habits, weight, and body image have always influenced her practice. Her varied professional experiences include research (Institut des nutraceutiques et des aliments fonctionnels), development (ÉquiLibre organization), and intervention (CLSC and GMF). She now devotes her private practice to individual consultation with the population and leads conferences and training sessions on the themes of eating habits and body image.

Roxanne Léonard, ÉquiLibre

holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in corporate finance, from HEC Montréal, and a master’s degree in management and organizational development from the Université de Laval. She joined the ÉquiLibre team in May 2014 as a project coordinator and has held the position of executive director since January 2016.

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Published

2025-09-21

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Aimé, A., Gagnon, C., Leblanc, L., Gagnon, J., Trudeau, C., & Léonard, R. (2025). Adolescents’ point of view on weight-based bullying and potentially effective intervention strategies. McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill. Retrieved from https://mje.mcgill.ca/article/view/9968

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