8/1/2013
While nearly one in three children (32%) are considered overweight or obese, according to their parents, only 15% of children should be classified as overweight, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health. Nearly all children (96%) have attended family events in the past year that served junk food. Around one in three parents feel serving these unhealthy foods are an important part of the family tradition (39%) and that it doesn’t feel like a celebration without them (32%).
Two in 10 parents (20%) are concerned that their child will be overweight as an adult. Parents also have a tough time improving their child’s eating habits. Almost half (44%) say it’s difficult to make sure their children eat healthy foods, and 36% say it’s challenging to get their kids to exercise.
Six in 10 children (60%) regularly eat unhealthy items in the afternoon, during family dinners, and after dinner during the school week. Seven in 10 children (70%) eat dinner with their parents, though 24% eat while the TV is on or someone at the dinner table is using digital gadgets.
SOURCES: Harvard School of Public Health, Marge Dwyer, 677 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115; 617-432-8416; mhdwyer@hsph.harvard.edu; www.hsph.harvard.edu.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Christine Clayton, PO Box 2316, Princeton, NJ 08543; 609-627-5937; cclayton@rwjf.org; www.rwjf.org.
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