Fit Fact: Parents may not perceive their kids as overweight
I think a lot of parents look at their kids the same way - seeing all the brilliant things and, perhaps, overlooking the not-so-brilliant things. I bring this up because I ran across a press release detailing a survey presented by the American College of Gastroenterology. In the survey, researchers found that some parents don't perceive their children as being overweight or at risk for obesity, even when they are.
The children in the survey had BMIs on the high side, but less than 13% of parents reported their child as currently overweight.
I want to hear from parents out their who might be dealing with this issue. Do you think parents overlook signs of overweight or obesity in their own kids? Do you? How do you know when to worry about your child's weight? Leave a comment and tell us about your experiences.
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I think that most of the time how we view our children’s weight is colored by our own weight. 2 of my 3 kids are very thin, as I was as a child, so that is what I am used to. I was worried that my oldest child might be gaining too quickly, but when I put her numbers into a BMI calculator, she is fine. The same is true for some others I know, in the opposite direction. I know overweight parents whose kids are pretty clearly overweight, but the parents don’t “see” it because they have a distorted view of what weight is “normal”.
I was talking to a high school PE teacher yesterday and they are working on a unit where they checked their BMI and then spend the next few weeks exercising. Among other things they spend one day a week on the track where they are supposed to walk one half a lap, run one half a lap and then walk a half a lap. One mother called to complain that her daughter couldn’t do the running part and shouldn’t have to do it. The teacher said that he asked her if she was more worried about her daughter’s grade or health. The mother is overweight herself. I think the previous remark explains the major reason people don’t see others as overweight.
Just a quick reminder on BMI. It does not account for muscular builds on children or adults. A highly muscular individual with very well developed legs from biking/running/hiking, etc and a strong back and upper body may still easily be listed as overweight or even obese when strictly reviewing the numbers associated with the BMI scale. Do not let this become the sole indicator of the individual’s overall health.
I have a 10 yr. old daughter and I know she is overweight. She has started gaining over the past few years and we have just begun discussing this because SHE has commented on it. While I do not believe in ignoring the issue I also do not believe in putting children on diets unless medically necessary. I will continue to keep healthy food in the house, take her and her brothers to the park to play, praise her accomplishments, and have pizza or McDonald’s sometimes. As a teenager in the 80’s I was teased about my weight by family, taking diet pills and thought anorexia was chic. Hopefully my daughter will grow to be a well adjusted young lady who does not turn to food as a source comfort, a young woman who doesn’t measure her self worth by her jean size.
Jennifer,
I wholeheartedly agree with you. My daughter is not overweight(at least I don’t think so), but I was also a teen in the 80’s. I try so hard to never mention my concerns with my own weight or even the word “diet”. I want to show her that I am comfortable in my own body(even after 3 kids)and she should be, too. We eat a healthy mix of food with an occasional fast food run. I hope she continues these eating habits into adulthood.
My son is overweight and its my fault. I got divorced when he was around 3 and I watched his food but didn’t make sure he got enough exercise. I remarried when he was five and my husband is very involved with him and helps keep him active. He’s been the within 5 pounds of the same weight now for three years. He’s a healthy boy and very active. I’ve never fed my kids badly. We don’t eat fast food a lot, they don’t get sweets everyday. He still is a kid though and all you have to remember is moderation and activity and they’ll be fine. The one thing the bmi calculator didn’t take into accout was his frame size which is quite large. He’s 8 years old and wears a size 8 in men’s shoes. My son will never be small and he will always have to pay attention what he eats.
It is important to make healthy meals for the whole family and allow your children to get exercise through sports but in no way let anyone including yourself tell your children they are overweight…Your children will go through that chunky phase in pre-puberty and I do believe that it is important to stay focused on family, love, support, and healthy meals for the ENTIRE family, not just one!!!
I believe we tend to see the positive and not the negative of all traits when it comes to our children, yet 3 years ago, I could look at photos and see the changes my son had undergone from recent weight gain (after we moved). I enrolled him in a martial arts program and within a year we could see a vast improvement in his physique.
Can we bury this inaccurate method of assessing fitness once and for all? Do you know who came up with the BMI ratings? Insurance companies and the guys who figure out their actuary tables, that’s who.
Take an extra five minutes in the assessment and perform a body fat calibration and the more accurate measurement of fitness and fatness will be revealed. BMI punishes those with higher amounts of muscle on their bodies. I have yet to measure a high school wrestler or football player who wasn’t considered below average in their ratings.
My daughter is overweight. She is 9 years old. I have healthy food in the house and I make sure she gets exercise. The problem is that I must work, so she goes to her grandparents (my in-laws) after school. WHen she gets there at 3:30 her grandmother gives her pizza or hamburger for a snack,, then ice cream,, then maybe yogurt or cheese crackers, ect.. Then it’s time for dinner!!
By the time I pick er up at 7:30 she has eaten about 4 or 5 times in the 4 hours she has been there.
Yes, I have talked to them, talked to my husband and talked to my daughter. She doesn’t want to hurt her grandmothers feelings. I do realize my mother in-law is of the generation that shows love by feeding you,,, but I need help here.
What do I do??
Phil- good point. BMI doesn’t take into account muscle or frame. I am 6′1” 193. By BMI calc I am overweight. Anyone who lifts weights/ plays sports are considered unhealthy by this measure. For younger kids (
I agree that it is colored by the weight and expepctations of the parents. I know that for myself, I had a very thin mother who was concerned with weight. My ‘awkward’ years when I was going through puberty and was not the bone thin child I was before, was marked by extreme pressure to lose weight. With my own daughter, I am committed to easing her way, allowing her to be conscious of health, exercise, and nutrition, but not obsess over dieting.
anne
Jen, Maybe you should talk to your daughters teacher. If the teacher would do a section on health and fitness and have the kids write down what they eat, that might help. It might be embarassing for your daughter if the grandmother doesn’t cooperate. And may give your daughter a reason to say no. I don’t know a grandma that wouldn’t help out with a school assignment. If that doesn’t work get alternate child care. Your mother in law doesn’t have the welfare of your child as a priorty. Would you leave your child at another child care facility that doesn’t care for her properly????