4 Sept 2026
Post by Dr. Geisha Glass-Abdullah, Children and Youth Education Center (CYEC)
Childhood obesity is a burgeoning crisis with far-reaching health consequences. While often discussed in terms of diet and exercise, a less visible but equally potent factor contributing to this epidemic is bullying. For African American children, the layers of this issue can be particularly complex, intertwined with experiences of marginalization that exacerbate the impact of bullying. This blog will explore the profound link between bullying and childhood obesity, drawing on insights from scholarly literature by African American doctors. We will then examine how the principles of Invitational Education, championed by William Purkey, Dr. Geisha Glass-Abdullah, and others, offer a powerful framework to transform school climates, reducing bullying and, in turn, potentially mitigating the rise of childhood obesity.
The Heavy Burden: Bullying’s Link to Childhood Obesity
The connection between bullying and childhood obesity is a vicious cycle. Children who are bullied, especially about their weight or appearance, often experience intense psychological distress. This stress can manifest in various ways that directly impact their physical health.
Dr. Gail Wyatt, a distinguished African American psychologist and professor at UCLA, has extensively researched the impact of stress and trauma on health outcomes, particularly within minority communities. Her work, while not exclusively focused on childhood obesity, provides a critical lens through which to understand how chronic stress—a hallmark of bullying—can disrupt physiological processes. When a child is consistently exposed to bullying, their body is in a constant state of “fight or flight.” This triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone known to increase appetite, particularly for high-calorie, comfort foods, and promote fat storage, especially around the abdomen.
Furthermore, the emotional toll of bullying can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. As Dr. Valerie Earnshaw, a researcher focused on stigma and health disparities, has highlighted, experiences of discrimination and marginalization can lead to withdrawal from social activities. Children who are bullied may avoid physical education classes, sports, or even playing outside with friends for fear of further ridicule or harassment. This reduction in physical activity, coupled with stress-induced eating, creates a perfect storm for weight gain.
For African American children, the weight-related bullying they experience can be compounded by existing societal biases and racial discrimination. This “double burden” of stigma can intensify feelings of shame, anxiety, and depression, making them even more vulnerable to unhealthy coping mechanisms like overeating. The long-term health consequences are stark, with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions impacting quality of life well into adulthood.
Invitational Education: Cultivating a Culture of CARE
So, how can we disrupt this devastating cycle? This is where William Purkey’s Invitational Education (IE) offers a transformative approach. Invitational Education is a theory and practice that focuses on intentionally creating environments that are Caring, Optimistic, Respectful, and Trusting (I-CORT) (Glass-Abdullah, 2022). It shifts the focus from what’s “wrong” with students to what’s “right” with them, emphasizing their inherent worth and capabilities.
Imagine a school where every student feels genuinely invited to learn, grow, and belong. This is the essence of Invitational Education, and its impact on bullying and, subsequently, childhood obesity, can be profound:
- Reduces Bullying through Empathy and Respect: By intentionally fostering environments where all individuals feel valued and respected, Invitational Education directly counteracts the root causes of bullying. When students and staff are taught to genuinely care for one another and trust is built, the fertile ground for bullying shrinks. Children are less likely to target peers they perceive as part of their “community” and more likely to intervene when bullying occurs.
- Enhances School Climate and Engagement: A positive school climate, characterized by I-CORT principles (Glass-Abdullah, 2022), makes students feel safer and more comfortable. This increased sense of security encourages participation in all aspects of school life, including physical activities. When children feel accepted and supported, their stress levels decrease, making them less likely to turn to unhealthy eating as a coping mechanism.
- Promotes Holistic Well-being: Invitational Education recognizes that academic success is intertwined with emotional and physical well-being. By prioritizing a nurturing and encouraging environment, schools can support students in developing healthy self-esteem and positive body images. This holistic approach empowers children to make healthier lifestyle choices, not out of shame or fear, but out of a genuine desire for self-care.
- Empowers All Stakeholders: Invitational Education is not just for students; it extends to teachers, administrators, and parents. By inviting everyone to contribute to a positive school culture, it creates a collective responsibility for well-being. Educators who feel respected and optimistic are better equipped to identify and address bullying, while parents who feel trusted are more likely to partner with the school in supporting their children.
A Call to Action: Healing Through Connection
The impact of bullying on childhood obesity, particularly within vulnerable communities, is a silent crisis that demands our attention. By drawing on the wisdom of African American scholars who understand the nuances of stress and health disparities, we gain a clearer picture of the problem. And by embracing the principles of Invitational Education, we find a powerful pathway to healing.
Creating schools where every child feels seen, valued, and safe is not just about preventing bullying; it’s about nurturing an environment where all children can flourish physically, emotionally, and academically. It’s about empowering them to choose health, not out of a reaction to pain, but out of a foundation of self-worth and belonging. By investing in Invitational Education and the framework of I-CORT in educational settings, we invest in a healthier, more compassionate future for all our children.
Children and Youth Education Center 