A new study from the University of Bristol reveals that parents concerned about their child’s weight are open to receiving support through adult weight management programs. The research, published in BMJ Paediatrics Open on January 21, found that parents attending such programs are willing to be directed to services that could help their children manage their weight.
The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and supported by the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, suggests that adult weight management services could serve as a gateway for children to access weight management support.
Researchers surveyed and interviewed parents attending Slimming World, a UK-based weight management program. Among parents worried about their child’s weight, 78% said they would be open to receiving support for their child. Furthermore, 98% of these parents were willing for the program to refer them to appropriate children’s services. Interestingly, nearly half of the parents who were not concerned about their child’s weight still expressed interest in a height and weight check for their child.
The study also found that parents had varied preferences for how services should be delivered. They emphasized the importance of offering personalized support, rather than a “one size fits all” approach. Many parents stressed that the focus should be on promoting overall health, not just managing weight. Additionally, some parents suggested that weekly sessions might be too frequent, and they wanted programs to recognize that meaningful changes take time. Many also believed that a support group for parents could be beneficial.
Dr. Ruth Mears, the lead author of the study and Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Academic Primary Care, explained, “Child weight management programs should include the family. However, getting families involved can be difficult. Even though children of obese parents are at greater risk of obesity, adult weight management programs rarely connect with services for children. This creates an opportunity to help children achieve healthier weights alongside their parents, especially when parents are already making changes to their own lifestyles.”
The study suggests that integrating child weight management services into adult weight management programs could be an effective way to support families in their journey toward better health.
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