Gender and age differences in pre-schoolers' weight bias beliefs and behavioural intentions

Weight bias is present in children as young as 3 years old; however, research regarding gender differences is mixed. This study examined gender and age differences in weight bias attitudes in a sample of 3- to 5-year-old pre-schoolers. Children assigned positive or negative adjectives to thin, average, or large targets and selected one of these targets as their best friend. Girls showed a larger weight bias than boys in both tasks, and weight bias increased with age in the adjective attribution task. Findings clarify previously mixed gender results and demonstrate that while weight bias beliefs strengthen during the pre-school years, weight bias behavioural intentions do not. The results highlight the importance of continued efforts to address weight bias in young children. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Weight bias is linked to negative consequences in young children. Children as young as 3 years old demonstrate weight bias. Findings regarding gender differences in weight bias in pre-schoolers are mixed. What does this study add? Girls demonstrated higher weight bias than boys in an adjective attribution and best friend selection task. Weight bias increased with age in the adjective attribution task but not in the friend selection task. Weight bias beliefs strengthen during the pre-school years; however, weight bias behavioural intentions do not.