{"id":2935,"date":"2026-05-07T11:00:53","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T10:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/iprblog\/?p=2935"},"modified":"2026-05-07T14:32:58","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T13:32:58","slug":"beyond-the-scale-rethinking-physical-activity-and-paediatric-obesity-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/iprblog\/2026\/05\/07\/beyond-the-scale-rethinking-physical-activity-and-paediatric-obesity-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond the scale: Rethinking physical activity and paediatric obesity care"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shauna Burke<\/a>, Marina Ybarra<\/a> and Balraj Gill at Western University explain how those who support young people with obesity can create stigma-free environments where physical activity promotes confidence, connection, enjoyment and wellbeing \u2014 not just weight loss.<\/em><\/p>\n

Reframing how physical activity is approached in paediatric obesity care can strengthen outcomes and support lifelong engagement<\/h2>\n

Paediatric obesity<\/a> is complex, shaped by biological, social, environmental and psychological factors. Globally, an estimated 15% of children and adolescents<\/a> are living with overweight and nearly 9% are living with obesity. Addressing this challenge requires effective and equitable treatment approaches that are systems-focused<\/a>, patient-centred and that move beyond a narrow focus on weight-based outcomes.<\/p>\n

Physical activity is a recommended component<\/a> of paediatric obesity care<\/a>, yet it is often framed primarily as a means to reduce body weight rather than to enhance overall wellbeing<\/a>. Decades of evidence show that physical activity supports physical and psychosocial health for all<\/em> children, regardless of weight status. Yet for young people living with obesity, experiences of movement are often shaped by weight-based bullying, exclusion and other negative encounters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As a result, when healthcare providers recommend physical activity solely as a route to weight loss, this can unintentionally reinforce stigma<\/a>, undermine self\u2011efficacy and push youth living with obesity away from both physical activity and<\/em> the care they need.<\/p>\n

Consistent with global calls to embed physical activity into healthcare and community settings<\/a>, those engaged in supporting young people with obesity have an opportunity to help change the narrative<\/a>. We encourage healthcare professionals to continue promoting physical activity in paediatric obesity treatment settings, but to do so in ways that are equitable, stigma-sensitive and tailored to the individual.<\/p>\n

Indeed, evidence<\/a> supports the value of framing messages to focus on the benefits of physical activity beyond<\/em> weight loss, including building confidence, strengthening social connections, supporting mental health and helping young people to identify and overcome barriers to participation. The goal is lifelong engagement in enjoyable, meaningful movement; not participation tied exclusively to weight outcomes or specific treatment plans.<\/p>\n

Why does this matter?<\/h2>\n

Low levels of physical activity among young people<\/a>, alongside rising rates of paediatric obesity<\/a>, highlight the importance of ensuring that physical activity recommendations are a part of routine clinical care. What\u2019s more, beyond the physical<\/em> benefits, physical activity can bring young people with obesity improvements in mental health outcomes, quality of life, self-concept and emotional functioning<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, however, young people living in larger bodies often face unique environmental, interpersonal and individual barriers<\/a> that prevent engagement with regular physical activity. From policy and practice perspectives, this highlights the need to move beyond one-size-fits-all messaging toward approaches that reflect lived experience, address inequities and foster supportive environments where physical activity participation is accessible, meaningful and sustainable.<\/p>\n

What does reframing look like in practice?<\/strong><\/h2>\n