Assessing children’s weight status in Australia – a survey exploring parents’opinions

Identification of childhood overweight and obesity is the first step parents must take to commence addressing this health issue. Many countries do not have a formalised and universal program for routine weight status assessment of children and it is uncertain where the responsibility for the undertaking of this check and identification of obesity lies. Studies indicate that GPs do not routinely assess weight in standard consultations with children, leaving parents, by default, responsible. However it is common for parents to underestimate their child's weight status and seek help when their child's obesity reaches an extreme level. This study explored and analysed parental perspectives regarding the responsibility for routine weight status assessment of primary school aged children