In the article reviewing this study, the researchers wrote, "The stigmatization directed at obese children by their peers, parents, educators and others is pervasive and often unrelenting."
The article reviewing all of the research was published in the July issue of Psychological Bulletin.
The researchers stated that childhood obesity is a growing worldwide epidemic.
Predictions indicate that by 2010, nearly 50 percent of children in North America and 38 percent of children in the European Union will be overweight.
Although programs have been developed to help the situation, more efforts are needed to prevent the mental abuses these children are experiencing.
"The quality of life for kids who are obese is comparable to the quality of life of kids who have cancer," according to lead author Rebecca M. Puhl of Yale's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity who citied another study, according to the Associated Press.
"These kids are facing stigma from everywhere they look in society, whether it's media, school or at home," added Puhl.
Puhl also stated, "This is a form of bias that is very socially acceptable. It is rarely challenged; it's often ignored."
It was found that children as young as 3 years of age are affected by their body image and the biased response of others to them.
Teasing, rejection, and bullying are commonly experienced by these overweight children.
One study from 2003 found that obese children had much lower scores for quality of life on health, emotions, social skills and school environmental well-being, according to the AP report.
These children struggle as they feel different. They often see themselves as stupid or ugly and feel less popular among their peers and other family members.
Parents and teachers need to help these children feel more confident about themselves through encouragement and by emphasizing their strengths.
The authors summary their conclusions in their article by stating that "Weight-based discrimination is as important a problem as racial discrimination or discrimination against children with physical disabilities. Remedying it needs to be taken equally seriously..."
