Parents' perception of their children's weight status in an urban area of Western Greece

CONTEXT: A lot of parents whose children are overweight or even obese are in no position to accurately acknowledge the real weight of their children. Parents' perception of their children's weight plays a significant role in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity. AIMS: This paper describes parents' opinions on the real weight status of their children and the sufficiency of quality nutrients in their diet. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The research methodology used in the particular study was based on survey research in preschool settings in West Greece. METHODS AND MATERIAL: The research methodology used in the particular study was based on survey research. Data were collected through questionnaires answered by parents of children attending preschool settings aged between two and five. One hundred and seventy-eight children and their parents participated. All parents had been informed of the aim of the study beforehand and gave their consent on condition that they could withdraw at any stage they wished. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). RESULTS: Comparing the Body Mass Index of children with the parents' opinion of their children's weight, we noticed 85,71% and 78,13% of the parents whose children were obese and overweight respectively, regarded their weight as normal. The majority of the overweight and obese children's parents were of the opinion that their children's diet was proper and healthy. CONCLUSIONS: Most parents whose children were obese or overweight underestimated the real weight of their children and considered their nutrition healthy.