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Discussing childhood overweight and obesity with parents: a health communication dilemma

Katja Mikhailovich1, Paul Morrison

  • 1Healthpact Research Centre for Health Promotion and Wellbeing, University of Canberra, Australia.

Journal of Child Health Care : for Professionals Working with Children in the Hospital and Community
|November 28, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Healthcare providers face challenges discussing childhood obesity with families. This review offers strategies to improve communication about child weight, promoting healthier outcomes for overweight children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Health Communication

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern requiring effective healthcare provider-family communication.
  • Anecdotal evidence highlights difficulties in discussing a child's weight status with parents.
  • Limited literature exists specifically on communicating overweight and obesity with parents of children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on communicating childhood overweight and obesity with parents.
  • To identify factors influencing communication between healthcare workers and parents regarding child weight.
  • To provide practical strategies for healthcare providers to facilitate successful discussions.

Main Methods:

  • A literature review was commissioned by a local government health department.
  • The review synthesized information from a disparate body of literature due to limited specific research.
  • The focus was on identifying helpful approaches for healthcare providers.

Main Results:

  • Identified a range of factors that influence communication dynamics.
  • Found limited direct research on communicating overweight/obesity to parents.
  • Highlighted the need for practical strategies to support healthcare providers.

Conclusions:

  • Effective communication is crucial for addressing childhood obesity.
  • Healthcare providers need practical strategies to navigate sensitive weight discussions.
  • Further research is needed to build a robust evidence base for communication interventions.

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