Loading...
Do parents of overweight teenagers perceive their child as overweight, and, if they do, what kind of weight-management behavior do they promote? To find out, investigators examined data from a longitudinal study (Project EAT) of dietary intake and weight status among middle- and high-school children in Minneapolis. Cross-sectional analysis represented survey responses of 314 overweight adolescents (mean age, 14 years) and their parents. Longitudinal analysis represented 5-year follow-up of 170 adolescents.
Overall, 54% of parents of girls and 40% of parents of boys correctly identified their child as overweight. Among parents who perceived their child as overweight, nearly 60% encouraged dieting, 50% indicated that their families often watch…