New European position statement highlights the importance of parental communication in childhood obesity

A new position statement from the European Childhood Obesity Group (ECOG) underscores the critical role parents play in the prevention and treatment of obesity in children and adolescents.

Published in the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, the guidance stresses that how parents talk about weight can significantly influence their child’s health behaviours, self-esteem and long-term wellbeing.

The statement, developed by a panel of international experts including Rebecca Puhl, Sandra Hassink, Julia Lischka and David Thivel, highlights that while many parents are concerned about their child’s weight, gaps in knowledge about obesity, weight bias, stigma and societal influences such as media and advertising can make conversations around weight complex and challenging.

“Parents need support and skill building to create a communication environment that is both healthy and accepting,” the authors note. They recommend that healthcare professionals model constructive communication by focusing on overall health rather than appearance, acknowledging the multiple societal and biological factors contributing to obesity and asking children what language they prefer when discussing weight.

The guidance also cautions against the risks of stigmatisation and oversimplifying obesity as solely a matter of individual lifestyle choices. Instead, ECOG emphasises a supportive dialogue that empowers children, builds family strengths and fosters positive health behaviours.

With the right tools and guidance, parents can play a powerful role in promoting their child’s health while avoiding harm.