Parent-child communication about weight: Priorities for parental education and support

Approximately 2/3 of parents talk about body weight with their children, which can include negative comments that have adverse health implications for youth.

To identify ways to improve supportive parent-child communication about weight, we assessed parent and youth perspectives of barriers to weight communication, preferences for educational resources and support, and whether perspectives differ across demographic groups and weight status.

In Fall 2021, online surveys were completed by two independent, unrelated samples of parents (N = 1936) and youth (N = 2032). Participants were asked about their perceived barriers to talking about weight, and what kinds of information and support would be most useful to them in fostering supportive communication.

Parent and youth-reported barriers to weight communication included discomfort and lack of knowledge about weight, and views that weight does not need to be discussed. Most parents wanted guidance on how to navigate multiple weight-related topics with their children, including promoting positive body image and healthy behaviours, reducing weight criticism, focusing more on health and addressing weight-based bullying. Youth preferences for how their parents can be more supportive of their weight included avoiding weight-related criticism and pressures, increasing sensitivity and encouragement, and emphasizing healthy behaviours rather than weight. Few differences emerged based on sex and race/ethnicity, although several differences emerged for youth engaged in weight management.

Parent and youth perspectives indicate a need for education to help parents engage in supportive conversations about body weight. Findings can inform efforts to reduce barriers and increase supportive weight-related communication in families.