How Much Does Our Love for Our Children Affect Our Perception of Their Weight?

"My child looks great! He's not fat at all, he looks just fine!". If this sentence is something you say automatically in response to comments about your child's weight, perhaps it's time to pause and read this article. Dr. Osnat Raziel aims to distinguish between unconditional love and the reality of our children's excess weight.

A recently published study examined how mothers perceive their children as having normal or even underweight when the children are actually overweight.

The study analyzes maternal perceptions of their children in 10 different countries across South America, Europe, and Asia. The research seeks to assess whether differences in the socioeconomic status of parents influence how they perceive their children's obesity.

Obesity, especially childhood obesity, is a major concern: Research data already indicates that a high percentage of children with obesity will become adults suffering from similar issues and are more likely to develop metabolic diseases associated with obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart problems.

Further studies have already highlighted the connection between parental behavior, especially their disregard for proper nutrition and physical activity, which in turn "contributes" through "silence" to child obesity. It stands to reason that if parents do not recognize their child's obesity problem, the likelihood of encouraging the child to change is small.

This study collected data on 2720 children aged 3-11, with a balanced sample in terms of the child’s gender, both boys and girls. The parents' socioeconomic status and their approach to their children's diet and physical activity were collected using questionnaires.

The children's classification regarding obesity by the mother was done using a series of pictures showing children with different body types. Data on the children’s age, BMI, and their awareness of common sweet and salty snacks were gathered. Additionally, details on the children's eating habits, such as types of food, adherence to regular meals, TV watching habits, computer games, sports activities, and daily movement-related activities like walking and cycling, were collected.

Data analysis revealed several interesting facts: It turns out that the mistaken perception of parents was dependent on the country where the tests were conducted: In Argentina, France, the UK, and Italy, about 80% of parental assessments regarding children’s weight were incorrect, compared to average values in other countries. Most of the overweight children who participated in the study were boys, and their average age was relatively high. Children with excess weight spent more time watching TV or playing computer games.

Another interesting finding from the study related to the parents: Parents of children with normal weight were generally younger, thinner, and more active in sports. Awareness of snack options on the market was significantly higher among children who were overweight.

Among the children involved in weight loss programs, it was found that if parents had a mistaken perception of their weight, the children were less likely to participate in diet programs.

A concerning fact was the high percentage of parents' mistaken perception regarding their children’s weight, ranging between 50%-89%, and significantly higher than in previous studies. In terms of the children’s obesity, nearly 90% of parents of overweight children do not "see" them as such, and about 50% of parents of obese children are oblivious to this fact.

Another interesting fact uncovered by the study is that high socioeconomic status and high awareness of snacks (among parents and children) negatively influenced parents' mistaken perceptions. In other words, "fast food culture" negatively impacts both children’s obesity and parents’ adaptation to obesity.

According to researchers, the study’s results have important public health indicators: Once again, it turns out that a simple look at weight gain is not enough, and we must consider the complexity of many factors to stop childhood obesity.

And yes, although it may be difficult, it is advisable to seek an objective opinion from a family doctor and other qualified sources to determine if your child suffers from obesity, rather than letting your heart decide for you.

Dr. Osnat Raziel is a bariatric surgeon and expert in nutrition and weight loss.