Parents ‘in denial’ about childhood obesity as many misjudge child’s weight, says experts

"Nobody wants to think of themselves or their child as overweight or unhealthy."

Parents are "in denial" about childhood obesity as many are still misjudging their children's weight. Experts from the European Congress on Obesity in Glasgow recently found that over half of parents (54 percent) incorrectly judged whether their child was overweight or obese. Research also found that 34 percent of children and teenagers underestimated their own weight, assuming that they weighed less than they did. This was particularly common for parents who were overweight themselves, or those who were less educated. Mail Online reports that study leader Abrar Alshahrani said:

"Despite attempts to raise public awareness of the obesity problem, our findings indicate that underestimation of child higher weight status is very common. "This misperception is important because the first step for a health professional in supporting families is a mutual recognition of higher weight status."

Alshahrani said that knowing a child's weight is important for the child, their parents, and the health professionals who look after them. She added that study also showed that health professionals often underestimate children's weight too, meaning that the child may not be getting the appropriate care. Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said that the study highlights the need for appropriate measurements to ensure adequate healthcare can be provided. "Nobody wants to think of themselves or their child as overweight or unhealthy," she said, "but the stark truth is that overweight and obese children face numerous, serious health-related problems - both physical and mental - in the years ahead, if their weight is not addressed." She went on:

"It also emphasises how vital it is to be frank about weight from an early age as forging healthy behaviours in early life will have a very real impact on a patient's long-term health and wellbeing into adulthood.

"Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health challenges of our time and one that mustn't be swept under the carpet."

A recent report showed that Ireland could have one of the highest rates of childhood obesity by 2030. The HSE said that prevention is more efficient than a cure, and suggested that interventions be carried out in the home, preschool, school, and creche. Becoming overweight or obese can lead to long-term chronic diseases and premature mortality, as well as medical conditions such as pulmonary disease, Alzheimer’s disease, infertility, and type 2 diabetes. Children who are overweight or obese are also more likely to be bullied and experience poor self-esteem and depression.