Treatment Online

Parents Fail to Recognize Obesity Problems in Their Own Children
> 5/24/2006 6:46:53 AM

Pediatric researchers at Northwestern University have done work in a number of areas. Obesity issues in children have been a particular focus. A recent effort by Northwestern doctors is described on the website of the Chicago area Children's Memorial Research Center. The study examined parents' perceptions of their own childrens' weight and health.

"Visual perceptions of a child�s weight status may lead to parental perceptions at odds with established weight-related diagnoses. This study examined parental perceptions using words and sketches of children across age and weight spectrums. Findings from this study help us understand the influence pediatricians can have on parental perceptions and what factors influence concern about their child�s weight status. Its lead author, Dr. Eckstein, initiated this project as summer medical student research, which was further developed by Dr. Mikhail during the third year of pediatric residency."

Below is a graphic from the New York Times. It depicts the results of this research.

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