Many parents are hesitating to discuss weight problems with their children fearing it would lower their self-esteem. This deliberate silence results in eating disorders, according to the findings of a survey.
More than 1,000 parents participated in the survey conducted by Mend (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It) and Netmums.
About 65 percent of parents were aware of their children being obese but, only 42 percent tried to solve the problem through a discussion. About 37 percent of the parents who participated in the survey avoided discussion fearing it will negatively affect their kid's self-esteem. Majority of the parents saw the method unhelpful.
Among those who talked to their children about the issue, suggested them to reduce consuming junk food and increase fruits and vegetables.
The results also pointed out the wrong way adopted by parents to estimate their children's weights- simply by looking at them or comparing with other children than following a proper method of measuring.
The survey asks parents to find the actual weight by checking their children's Body Mass Index (BMI). "With obesity reaching epidemic proportions and becoming the norm, it can be very difficult for parents to tell if their child is a healthy weight simply by looking at them. The easiest way to check if your child is a healthy weight or not is to measure their weight and height and then to use an online BMI calculator" , said Paul Sacher, Mend's co-founder and chief research and development officer.
Obesity has become one of the major problems raising concerns about the young generation across the globe. In the United States, about 16 to 33 percent of children and teens are obese.
Obesity is one of the easiest medical conditions to detect, but toughest to treat. According to a report from American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, "Unhealthy weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year."
According to CDC, obese children are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, like high blood pressure and cholesterol and pre-diabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, social and psychological problems like stigmatization and poor self-esteem. Following a healthy lifestyle, with a healthy eating habit and physical activity can help prevent the young generation from becoming overweight.
