Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

The My Overweight Child blog will help you keep informed about the latest research, findings, and resources available to parents of overweight or obese kids. There are many knowledgeable people working on the increasingly dire problem of childhood obesity - and we want to give parents a place where they can check in regularly to see the latest studies and tips available to help you help your child lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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Friday, January 23, 2009

Overweight Kids Do Not See Themselves That Way

A Canadian study of teenagers and children found that overweight young people perceive themselves as normal if they are surrounded by overweight friends and family.

"The higher the body mass indices (BMIs) of friends and family, the more kids were likely to underestimate their weights - a trend consistent for both sexes, regardless of the socio-economic status of their families," according to Dr. Katerina Maximova of McGill University.

Researchers examined the BMIs of 3,665 children ages 9 to 16. About 14% were overweight, and 9% were obese. However, less than 2% thought they were too heavy. Dr. Maximova said the misconceptions were linked to having overweight friends and family members.

This study appears in the Journal of Obesity.

Labels: perceptions, body_image, denial

Posted By: Aspen Education Group