Parents fear consequences of weight talk

Two fifths of parents think that trying to address weight problems could lead to their child developing an eating disorder.

The figure rose to 65 per cent of parents who identified their child as being overweight or obese, according to the research conducted on behalf of Netmums and non-profit organisation Mend – Mind, Exercise, Nutrition... Do it.

The study of 1,000 parents with children aged five to 16 found that many believe that such conversations could lead to low self- esteem.

Two thirds of parents said they would like more support in talking to their child about weight.

Mend clinical director and co-founder Dr Paul Chadwick said: “The majority of parents of overweight and obese children are taking the courageous step of talking with their child about weight-related issues despite concerns that by doing so they may also be doing harm.

“With obesity affecting a third of the UK’s children, we can no longer afford for weight to be a taboo subject.”