Blind Obesity

A new study published in the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics states about 50 percent of parents with obese children do not see their children as overweight.

"I believe it's because of [a lack] education. These parents are not educated as to why this is going on," said  Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Corine Doho.

You can determine if your child is obese by using a Growth Chart. All you need to know is your child's age, weight,  and height. The further your child is above the 50th percentile, the more they are overweight.

"It doesn't take into consideration muscle weight. However, usually if a child is way off the chart it's most likely not muscle weight," said Doho.

Having your child put on weight so they can play a specific type of sport is not healthy either.

"Maybe the child is bulky. Maybe the child is athletic. Research has also shown that football players that are bigger in size and bulky have a high risk of diabetes and hypertension later on in life," said Doho.

Doho says the best way to fight obesity is to increase exercise. Children should get 60 minutes of exercise  everyday.

"It doesn't have to be going to the gym. It can be helping around the house. It can be dancing around or riding the  bicycle. You want to make the exercise fun," said Doho.

Eating healthy is also important. Doho recommends overweight children to start a food diary where they keep track of  everything they eat and how many calories each food contains.

Click here for a link to a Growth Chart.

James Parish, Newschannel 6