Addressing Childhood Obesity with Modern Parenting Approaches

The conversation around childhood health is changing. Body positivity and weight loss options are influencing how parents approach nutrition and exercise with their kids.  

To better understand the issue of childhood obesity and explore how parents are supporting their children in managing weight-related challenges, we surveyed parents of kids aged 3-17.

Navigating Childhood Obesity: 35% of Parents Admit to Setting Bad Health Examples 

More than half (56%) of parents surveyed worry about their child’s weight. For some, the concerns came earlier than others as 22% first became concerned when their child was 3-years-old or younger, and 43% became concerned when they were 5 or under. A quarter of parents are concerned their child is underweight, while 18% say their child is obese. 

When it comes to exercise, 40% say their child is not getting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended 60 minutes per day. In fact, parents report the average American child is getting an average of 6 hours of exercise per week.

More than 1 in 5 (22%) believe they could do a better job of encouraging their child to be physically active and 63% believe technology makes it harder for their kids to stay healthy. 

Many parents believe their own habits may also be impacting their children. More than 1 in 3 (35%) believe they are setting bad health examples for their children. The top ways parents think they’re setting these bad examples include eating poorly (86%), not getting enough exercise (78%), and spending too much time on their phones (63%). 

“It is known that children and adolescents are much more likely to be successful with behavioral lifestyle changes if everyone in the family is working to change together," says Caren Mangarelli, MD, Medical Director of Lurie Children’s Wellness & Weight Management Program. “In addition, as adults, we are much more likely to get our children to improve their habits if we demonstrate or show them healthy behaviors as opposed to tell them."

Childhood Health Habits and Parental Concerns

The majority (85%) of parents believe American culture hinders healthiness. Part of this could be the convenience and low cost of fast food – as 30% of children eat fast food at least twice a week. This issue becomes even more prominent during the holiday season with 47% of parents noting their child’s diet becomes worse during this time. The top reasons include too many sweets (89%), frequent gatherings and eating outside of the house (67%), and a general lack of emphasis on healthy eating (26%).

Parents are also concerned about how weight and well-being impact kids’ body image and self-esteem. Nearly 2 in 3 (64%) have talked to their children about body image and self-esteem, but 21% find it hard to talk about these topics with their kids. 

“We need to be mindful about what words we use when we are talking to children about weight,” says Dr. Mangarelli. “Often, the best choice may be to not discuss weight at all, but rather focus on healthy choices and behaviors and why they are important. Whether a behavior is healthy or not remains true regardless of the person’s weight. Avoid negative words like ‘fat’, ‘lazy’ and ‘diet’. Choose positive words like ‘healthy’, ‘strong’ and ‘nutritious’.”

Around one-third (34%) of parents with overweight children worry about their child’s mental health and 12% say their child has been bullied because of their weight. Additionally, 13% report that their child feels embarrassed by their weight, while 32% say their child has discussed their diet with them. More than half (57%) of parents have had conversations with their child about exercise.

Childhood Obesity Prevention & Weight Management Options

Parents report facing several challenges when it comes to preventing childhood obesity. Topping the list is healthy eating habits, followed by screen time management, and encouraging physical activity. 

More than 3 in 5 (63%) say they are actively trying to prevent their child from becoming overweight by making home cooked meals, limiting sugary drinks/food, and establishing healthy eating habits. 

Parents are turning to their children’s doctors for advice as 56% have discussed their child’s weight with a doctor and 29% say their child’s health care provider has expressed concern over their child’s weight.

There are now several weight loss and weight management options available to help children struggling with obesity. In fact, nearly 1 in 6 parents have talked to a doctor about weight loss options for their child and 34% would be comfortable with their child participating in a weight loss program. There are three weight loss solutions parents are most comfortable with for their children:

1. Increased physical activity (83%)
2. Dietary changes with a registered dietitian (68%)
3. Behavioral therapy (22%)

“Improving lifestyle behaviors around eating, physical activity and sleep are important for everyone, regardless of their weight,” adds Dr. Mangarelli. “You truly can be healthier at any size if you are taking better care of yourself. Unfortunately, for many children, their genetics, over which they have no control, is often the biggest factor that will determine how much they struggle with their weight. In addition, the human body fights weight loss. Often many children will continue to struggle with weight even after adopting healthier habits. In those cases, medications, and even surgery may be necessary to not only help with weight, but also with the health problems that often come along with significant weight struggles.”

The conversation around childhood health is evolving, as parents navigate the balance between promoting body positivity and addressing concerns about obesity. At Lurie Children’s, our healthcare professionals are dedicated to providing expert guidance, compassionate support, and personalized options to help you and your child navigate these challenges.

Methodology

In September 2024, we conducted a survey of 1,006 parents with children aged 2-17 from across the U.S. about their experience navigating healthy lifestyles. Among respondents, 50% identified as male and 50% as female with an average age of 38.

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Fair Use

When using this data and research, please attribute by linking to this study and citing Lurie Children’s.