News

29th June 2005

Parents lack interest in children's diets

New research has revealed that a third of parents are not interested in what their children are eating.

The report on childhood obesity by consumer researchers Mintel, says that this equals 5.3 million so -called 'relaxed parents'.

The report identified other specific categories of parents including 'indulging parents' (17 per cent), who give their children what they want when it comes to food, regardless of how healthy it is, 'worrying parents' (21 per cent), who are concerned about their children's weight as well as their sugar and fat intake, and 'controlling parents' (29 per cent), who try to ensure their children eat a healthy diet.

Mintel Senior market analyst Maria Elustondo said, "Over the past few months there has been considerable media coverage about the problems of child obesity. But the time has come to take action and to move away from simply who is to blame.

"Although messages about the importance of leading a healthy life seem to be getting through, too many parents are still unsure about how to actually put a healthy diet into practice.

"Clearly parents need practical suggestions, such as how to ensure their child eats five portions of fruit and veg a day, to make leading a healthy life as easy as possible."

She said that children also need to spend less time in front of the television and lead a more active life to avoid obesity.

The report showed that fathers were less likely to be concerned about what their children ate, with forty one per cent falling into the 'relaxed parent' group, compared with twenty five per cent of mothers.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said the Government was taking action to combat obesity, as set out in a public health white paper.

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