Table 2 The themes used to group children's perceptions and experiences of their own and others' body sizes

Body size matters

Body size might not always seem relevant

Being overweight is seen as a social problem

Body sizes are judged

Discrimination is normal

Children are aware that body size is a public issue

Desirable and acceptable bodies

Desirable bodies are not overweight

A large body size means you are...

Children apportion blame and responsibility for fat

Embodied experiences

Children actively assess their own size

Discomfort and feelings of pressure accompany a focus on body size

Children express dissatisfaction with their bodies

The consequences of body size are experienced as social in nature

Very overweight children are made to feel 'different and terrible'

Gender

Satisfaction with body size differs between the sexes

Body size stereotypes vary with gender