Underestimation of children's weight status: views of parents in an urban community.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between parents' underestimation of their child's weight status and concerns about their child's weight and health.


METHODS
We conducted interviews with parents in an urban pediatric clinic (January through June 2006). Children's height and weight were measured at the visit using standard techniques.


RESULTS
193 children were included (response rate 87%, 18 months-9 years, 70% black); 31% of parents underestimated their child's weight status (46% of overweight children, 24% of normal weight). Parents of normal-weight children who underestimated were more likely to be concerned about their child's weight (39% vs 2.9%, P < .001) than those who did not underestimate. Parents of overweight children who underestimated were less likely to be concerned about their child's weight (7.7% vs 59%, P < .001) than those who recognized their children as overweight.


CONCLUSIONS
Many parents continue to underestimate their child's weight status. These perceptions may present a barrier to the prevention of childhood obesity.
Tschamler
Jillian M
JM
Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, and the Children's Hospital at Strong, USA. jmt4g@virginia.edu
Conn
Kelly M
KM
Cook
Stephen R
SR
Halterman
Jill S
JS
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014505:Urban Population