Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

New research: Toddlers are heavier than mums realise:

Mums incorrect take on their toddler’s weight may be inadvertently leading to their toddlers overeating and getting heavier, say nutrition researchers.
By Motherpedia
Date: September 10 2012
Tags: toddler, weight, study,
Editor Rating:
toddlerweight

 

The research by the International Congress of Dietetics found many Australian mothers were unable to correctly identify their child’s weight, especially if their child was overweight.

Researcher Rebecca Byrne and her colleagues asked 276 mothers to describe their 12-16 month old toddlers as either underweight, normal weight or overweight. The researchers then measured the children’s heights and weights.

According to Ms Byrne, the mothers thought twenty-seven children were too thin, but only one of these toddlers was actually underweight, with the rest a normal size.

And while 32 per cent of the toddlers in the study were overweight only four per cent, or 12 of the 276 toddlers, were perceived as too heavy.

“Mums who are worried their child is not eating enough, and not gaining enough weight, may pressure their kids to eat more by making them eat everything on their plate or bribing them with dessert or treats,” said Ms Byrne, an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

She said this teaches children to ignore their own cues of hunger and fullness, inadvertently promoting overeating, which can lead to excess weight gain.

“Being a chubby baby is often seen as healthy and something children will grow out of. This can mean parents are less likely to seek support to prevent further excess weight gain,’ said Ms Byrne.

She said parents aren’t being given the support they need to understand normal child growth and how to pick up weight problems in their children.

“Serious prevention efforts need to start early in life to turn around the trend of increasing childhood overweight and obesity, and set kids up for life-long good health,” said Ms Byrne.

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
0 Total Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Related Articles
meal-time-confusion
Best-selling author, Pinky McKay shares her tips to help parents…
Read more
toddler-sleeping
Finding it increasingly difficult to get your toddler to go…
Read more
1potty-training
Preparing children for a bathroom away from home
Read more
daddys-girls
Very often, dinner is quickly followed by baths and bedtimes…
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.