Recent Study Shows That Parents Are The Reason Why Kids Are Overweight

Aug 08, 2018 by apost team

People often attribute the phenomenon of childhood obesity to overly-permissive parenting. Parents today are quick to give in to their children when they ask for unhealthy snacks and treats. But such seemingly "nice" parents are actually doing their kids a huge disservice. They're teaching them that it's okay to overeat out of habit or boredom. They're not teaching them the importance of self-discipline when it comes to eating.

CDC reports indicate that childhood obesity has more than tripled in the last four decades here in the US. That means a staggering one out of every five kids is obese! The American Academy of Pediatrics is laying much of the blame for this out-of-control epidemic squarely on the shoulders of parents. Many kids who are overweight tend to have at least one factor related to their home lives in common: fat-shaming. A recent AAP/CDC collaborative study discovered that kids who hear negative comments about their weight from doctors and parents are likely to keep gaining weight.

Dr. Stephen Pont, the study's leading author remarked, “We see a growing problem regarding weight stigma. In a misguided attempt to get kids to change, people end up reinforcing negative coping behaviors.” Kids who feel that they've been branded as "fat" are actually less likely to become active than those who aren't. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Parents and doctors tell them they're obese, so they eat even more because they know that's what "obese" people do. Often they'll try to hide their overeating habits from others for fear of getting into trouble or made fun of by their families.

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Over thirty-five percent of kids who attend weight-loss camps regularly report being picked on by at least one of their parents about their weight. This type of fat-shaming by parents fueling the national obesity crisis persists into adulthood. Adult women who struggle with obesity report a high incidence (53%) of hearing negative comments about their weight from their moms.

If you have a child struggling with obesity, Dr. Pont suggests instead of using negative language to try and shame a child into losing weight, kids can be encouraged to just change their eating habits. Rather than singling the child out, the entire family can go on a quest toward healthier eating together, such as adding more fruits and vegetables rather than sweets to the family diet.

Researchers said to be sure to avoid making comments about your overweight child's eating habits while out at restaurants or family gatherings.

What are your thoughts on whether or not parents are contributing to the childhood obesity crisis through negative speech? What do you think ought to be done about this ongoing problem?

Let us know your thoughts! Pass this story along so that your friends and family can read these important research findings.