A Sad New Study

Young girls worry that they are overweight, even before beginning kindergarten.

A new study suggests that nearly half the 3 to 6 year olds in a University of Central Florida study worry about being overweight. About 1/3 would change a physical attribute, such as weight or hair color. The concern about this is that young girls who demonstrate such concerns are more likely to suffer from eating disorders when they are older. And if I might comment bluntly, why on earth are young children worrying about their body image? What are we exposing them to that would create such an impression. Cartoons and "princess" characters in movies, who are rail thin and "the most beautiful in all the land" is a concern.

Although research is conflicting as to the impact of such images, we must wonder what is making children so focused on this. Is it a reflection of what society is obsessing about, and failing to succeed at changing in adult life? Whatever your conclusion, it is an area we all must be concerned about.

If a child was focused on enthusiastic play, perhaps they would have little concern about weight. Perhaps we need give them the gift of physical play and exercise (a playground is the best 'gym' for the young) and body image will take care of itself.