Parents Concerned About Obesity, Mintel Reports

CHICAGO—Food, fitness or family—which one is most to blame for childhood obesity? New research from Mintel showed today's parents aren't sure and they're feeling overwhelmed and worried as they try to prevent obesity in their own children.

In an exclusive consumer survey of American parents, Mintel found confusion over whether diet or exercise is most important for keeping kids at a healthy weight. Nearly three quarters of parents (72 percent) believe kids have too much access to junk food, while 69 percent feel that a lack of exercise is more to blame for obesity. In addition, two in five parents (40 percent) are concerned that their children might develop obesity.

"Parents aren't sure where to focus first to ensure their children's health—diet, exercise or both simultaneously," stated Marcia Mogelonsky, senior analyst at Mintel.

According to Mintel, parents want help when it comes to promoting healthy eating with their children. While 95 percent feel this is very or somewhat important, only 82 percent believe they are somewhat or very successful at doing so. Similarly, while 93 percent consider it very or somewhat important to limit their children's access to junk food, only 77 percent feel they have been very or somewhat successful at accomplishing this.

Additionally, many parents blame kids' sedentary lifestyles for obesity. According to parents, less than half of kids are physically active five or more hours per week—less than an hour a day. These sedentary habits are not enough to offset the caloric intake of kids with poor eating habits.

"When it comes to placing the blame, most parents look to themselves," Mogelonsky said. "Seventy-eight percent of parents believe the fault lies with them, yet most seek more information on nutrition so they can improve their children's health."

More than half of parents (57 percent) are worried that their children don't get enough information about healthy living at school, and 47 percent believe children should have ongoing diet and nutrition classes.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children aged two to 19 is significant at 12 percent. While there are hints that these rates are leveling, they have yet to decline.