Parent's perception of obesity in their 6-12 year old obese child ; can parental education be effective?

Obesity in children is a major health problem and parents can play an important role in its prevention and treatment. However, some parents are unaware of the problem and believing that their obese children are healthy do not participate in any related preventive or educational programs. The aim of this study is to assess parental perception of obesity in children aged 6-12 years and to evaluate the effect of education could have on this. This study has been conducted in two stages [stage 1, descriptive and second stage, experimental]. Weight, length, and body mass index were calculated in children aged 6-12 years. Then 300 children with BMIs higher than those standard for sex and age were selected as obese. Questionnaires for each child were completed by one of the parents. Parents that believed their obese children were not overweight, were divided into two groups, randomly. One group was educated about obesity during four, 2-hour sessions whereas the other group were not. After two months, questionnaires were completed by both groups and compared. Findings of the study showed 41/3% obese children are girls and 58/7% are boys. Among parents of obese children, 23/3% believed that their obese children were not overweight and after education, 94/3% became aware of their child's obesity and overweight. In this study, there was no relationship between the mother's job or the child's sex and the mother's perception. Present beliefs of parents regarding obesity and overweight in children need to be assessed in communities and educational programs conducted if necessary