Studies have shown that there exists a relationship between exposure to idealized media images and increased self-ratings of body dissatisfaction – defined as a person’s negative feelings and ratings of their own body weight and shape (e.g. Galioto & Crowther, 2013 Galioto, R. , & Crowther, J. H . (2013). The effects of exposure to slender and muscular images on male body dissatisfaction. Body Image, 10 (4), 566–573. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2013.07.009 [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] ; Grabe, Ward, & Hyde, 2008 Grabe, S. , Ward, L. , & Hyde, J . (2008). The role of the media in body image concerns among women: A meta-analysis of experimental and correlational studies. Psychological Bulletin, 134 (3), 460–476. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.134.3.460 [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] ). Using two experimental studies, we examined the impact of exposure to Western media-ideal images on Kenyan, Kenyan Americans, and African Americans’ self-perception and body satisfaction. Across the two studies, it was hypothesized that individuals who were exposed to the thin body ideal media images would report more body dissatisfaction than those exposed to overweight images. Findings support these hypotheses and suggest that exposure to Western media body ideal images is significantly related to increased body dissatisfaction. Implications regarding the need to educate people to become critical consumers of media and consequences on social justice are discussed.

Background/Objectives. Food insecurity and pediatric obesity have increased concurrently in the U.S., raising questions about the role of Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs (FNAPs) in shaping weight outcomes. This systematic review examined evidence on relationships between FNAP participation and pediatric weight outcomes. Methods. Six databases were searched for U.S.-based, peer-reviewed studies published through July 2024 that assessed FNAP participation and pediatric weight outcomes. Results. Seventy-five studies met the inclusion criteria, and no consistent pattern indicated that any single FNAP or program type (educational setting-based or direct financial support) reliably reduced or increased childhood overweight or obesity risk. Twenty studies found statistically significant beneficial relationships between FNAP participation and pediatric weight outcomes. Most studies reported mixed findings (n = 32), typically varying by subgroup (e.g., age, grade level, gender, race or ethnicity, or program characteristics). Sixteen studies found no relationship between participation and weight. Seven studies found an adverse relationship. Most studies relied on non-randomized quantitative designs and secondary data, and adverse findings were more common in lower quality studies. Among 18 studies that evaluated the effects of policy changes (e.g., the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (2010), 2009 WIC package change), nearly all identified associations between the policy change and weight outcomes, with eight beneficial and nine reporting mixed results. Conclusions. The findings indicate a complex non-causal relationship between FNAP participation and weight that varies across populations, programs, and study designs. Overall, evidence does not support broad adverse weight effects of FNAPs, and policy changes that strengthen nutrition standards may contribute to healthier weight outcomes. These findings have implications for nutrition policy, program design, and future research.