Talking about weight

While you probably want to talk to your child about his or her weight, research has shown that weight talk doesn't result in weight loss or healthy decisions among teenagers. Weight talk can include parents talking about their own need to lose weight or talking about their child's weight. Teasing and joking about a child's weight within the family is particularly harmful. Even talking with the best of intentions about your child's weight or encouraging weight loss has been shown to have negative effects. Your teen may still perceive these conversations as hurtful or judgmental.

In fact, weight talk — both the teasing and the well-intentioned comment — is associated with continued weight problems, increased weight, unhealthy dieting habits and a risk of eating disorders. Conversations and strategies that focus on healthy eating habits and healthy activities, however, do promote weight loss and management.