A new study published by the University of Michigan, Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, and the University of Michigan Child Health Evaluation and Research (CHEAR) Unit, shows that a large number of parents may be in denial about their children’s weight. The research was published in CHEAR’s journal Vol. 2, Issue 3; December 10, 2007.
With each passing year, the risks to children who are overweight or obese are becoming clearer and well documented. With respect to asthma, obese children age 6-17 are more than twice as likely to have asthma as children who are at a healthy weight.
Children who are overweight are also at risk for diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure as well as other chronic diseases that are usually seen only in adults. Moreover, overweight children are very likely to be overweight for life, a condition that carries with it serious, life long health and emotional consequences.
According to the study, one-quarter of US children ages 6 to 17 are either obese or overweight, based on the parent reporting of children’s height and weight. Surprisingly, less than 10% of parents of obese children ages 6 to 11 reported being “very concerned” about their children’s weight.
More than 40% of parents of obese children age 6-11 perceive their children’s weight status as “about the right weight”. In reality, a 6-year-old boy of average height, (3 feet 9 inches) would be considered obese if he weighs 55 lbs. or more.
"Obesity isn't just something that affects the clothes that you buy or how you are perceived by your friends and your schoolmates," the researchers said. "It is something that can have health effects, not only in adulthood but in childhood."
We encourage parents of children and teens to use the Body Mass Calculator offered by the Centers for Disease Control by CLICKING HERE.
If you find that your child or teen needs to lose weight, experts agree that small gradual changes offer the best chances for success. One small change that everyone can live with is having healthy, convenient snacks on hand at all times. From there, gradually phase out the junk food, fast food, sodas, energy drinks and candy as you discover healthier choices that your children enjoy.
