Parents Blind to Their Fat Kids

Only 13% recognize when their child is obese
By Jim O'Neill,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 25, 2007 3:20 PM CST
Parents Blind to Their Fat Kids
In this Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, file photograph, trays of carrot and celery sticks with low-fat ranch dip, orange slices and beef hot dogs with whole wheat buns sit in the cafeteria at Columbus Elementary School in Lodi, N.J. New Jersey's health department is starting a new Office of Nutrition and Fitness...   (Associated Press)

Nearly half the parents of severely overweight children ages 6 to 11 said their child was “about the right weight,” and only 13% recognized that their child had a severe problem, says a University of Michigan study. The results indicate parents think children will “grow out” of obesity or that something will change as they age, reports the AP.

With kids aged 12 to 17, parents were more aware—87% recognized when a child was overweight. But beneath the pudgy problem are significant health risks, say experts. "Obesity isn't just something that affects the clothes that you buy or how you are perceived by your friends," said the study’s lead researcher. (More health stories.)

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