Parents Tackling Weight Topic with Children

HOUSTON - As if discussing sex, drug use, and alcohol consumption were not already difficult subjects to approach with children, a study has found that parents are struggling even more when approaching the topic of body weight.

A national study by Raising Fit Kids surveyed more than 2,200 parents and children on their opinions and perspectives on weight and obesity.

The study determined parents of teens reported that it is easier for them to talk about sex than their childrens' weight. Almost 25 percent of parents report that they have never discussed weight management and obesity risk with their children, even though parents admit that being overweight poses an immediate health risk to their children.

Almost 20 percent of parents and 23 percent of children believe doctors should be responsible for teaching children about the risks of being overweight.

Three out of four kids would be embarrassed to talk to their parents about their weight, despite the fact that 85 percent of kids know being overweight is unhealthy
Clearly, both parents and kids are avoiding discussions on weight, which only serves to exacerbate the problem. Kids need consistent and effective parental guidance on managing their weight, just as they would on any other issue that affects their immediate and long-term personal health. The key is getting these conversations started early on, says

Dr. Susan Bartell, an award-winning author and a nationally-recognized parenting and child psychologist says that children need consistent and effective parental guidance on managing their weight and parents need to start these conversations early on.

On behalf of Fit, a new initiative from WebMD, and Sanford Health, Dr. Bartell explains on "FOX 26 Morning News Extra" how to talk to children about a healthy weight based on their age.

Psychotherapist Mary Jo Rapini also contributed her expertise to the topic of weight management with children and provided a list of what parents should do for their overweight children.

Rapini says parents should not criticize or comment on weight, especially at meal times, avoid comparing the relative weights of siblings, set a healthy example of good nutrition, throw out 'junk food,' and keep weight correlated to health rather than character.

On the Web:

Mary Jo Rapini -- http://www.maryjorapini.com/

Visit Mary Jo Rapini online on Twitter.com @maryjorapini.

Watch Mary Jo Rapini every Thursday morning on FOX 26 Morning News Extra during the segment 'Mind, Body, Soul with Mary Jo.'