[SURVEY] Parents React to New Guidance on Weight Loss Surgery, Meds for Kids

February 27, 2023 No Comments

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With Eating Disorder Awareness Week upon us, a new nationwide survey of over 1,000 parents is shedding light on their difficulties talking about weight and healthy habits with their children. The study found some parents may be going about it in a potentially harmful way.

1 in 5 struggle to talk about weight with their children and 1 in 10 regret the way they’ve spoken to their kids about their weight. 1 in 3 talk negatively about their own bodies in front of their children.

32% of parents have told their kid, “you’re not hungry, you’re bored.”

This year, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidance on childhood obesity. It now recommends parents use weight loss drugs for children 12 and up and weight loss surgery for kids 13 and older.

The report found roughly 2 in 5 would consider weight loss medication for their children, and 16% would contemplate weight loss surgery.

For more insights on parents’ struggles with keeping kids healthy in 2023, take a look at the full report.

Why Keeping Kids Healthy Is Challenging

The American Academy of Pediatrics wants parents to take action if their children are obese.

When Is a Person Considered Obese?

A person is considered obese if they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. The association’s new guidelines recommend that parents with obese children as young as two-years-old go through intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment. It also recommends weight loss drugs for kids as young as 12 and surgery for kids 13 or older.