Researchers surveyed 2,060 parents whose children are clinically obese. Among parents with children ages 6 to 11 years, 43% told the researchers that their children were "just about at the right weight," 37% said they were "slightly overweight," and only 13% said "very overweight." Parents of teens (ages 12 to 17 years) were somewhat more realistic. Over 55% said their children were "slightly overweight," 31% said "very overweight," and 11% said they were at the "right weight."
Since childhood obesity is linked to serious diseases such as heart failure and diabetes, the results of this study indicate that parents of obese children need to better understand that their children have a serious health problem.
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Labels: health, obesity, denial
Posted By: Aspen Education Group