Take a Good Look at Your Kids

Today so many people are overweight or obese that it is sometimes viewed as the norm. This is making it difficult for parents to recognize whether their own child has a weight problem. A recent study surveyed the parents of almost 300 children.

• Only 25% of the parents with an overweight child recognized that the child had a weight problem.
• When the child was obese, one-third of the mothers and one-half of fathers indicated that the child’s weight was “about right”.
• Parents who were overweight themselves were no better or worse at identifying a weight problem in their child.

Action Sparked: At well-child check ups, discuss weight issues with your child’s pediatrician. Seek out ways to involve the entire family in healthy eating habits and fitness routines. Check out these web sites for ideas: International Food Information Council, National Dairy Council, American Heart Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics.