The role of psychologists in supporting young people in care and their caregivers in child weight management services.

This article focuses on the complexities of child weight management, particularly for children in care who may face increased risks due to developmental trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and unstable living circumstances. It emphasizes the importance of a holistic, biopsychosocial, and trauma-informed approach that considers attachment styles, psychological wellbeing, and systemic factors influencing eating behaviors and weight. Psychologists working in this field are encouraged to adopt relational, flexible, and compassionate methods, collaborating with families, care teams, and multidisciplinary professionals to tailor support appropriately. The article also highlights the need for training external professionals to reduce stigma and improve understanding of the links between trauma, attachment, and weight, advocating for systemic, person-centered care that respects the agency and emotional readiness of children in care.