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Nutrition Know-How a Pressing National Need

There is a desperate need for funding to educate the public about nutrition and weight issues, AMA Vice President, Dr Choong-Siew Yong, said today, after revelations that many parents are unaware of the seriousness of their child's weight problem.

New research published in this week's Medical Journal of Australia found only five per cent of mothers were concerned about their child's weight, despite almost one in five Australian children being classed as overweight or obese.

The Murdoch Children's Research Institute study of mothers of four-year-olds found nearly all mothers saw their children as being equally or more active than other children and having a diet at least as healthy as others.

Dr Yong said the discrepancy between parents' perceptions and reality demonstrates that better nutrition education is vital to the nation's health.

"This research highlights the need to focus on nutritional literacy within the general community," Dr Yong said.

"Resources are desperately needed for a public education campaign in the area of nutrition and weight issues.

"Making healthy food choices is not difficult - people should eat a varied diet and be mindful of how many calories they're consuming."

"If they're not sure of what's appropriate or if they need support and help in losing weight, they should make an appointment with their family doctor."

Children appear to be taking part in enough sport and other exercise, the study found, but Dr Yong said without a focus on how much they're eating, many children would remain heavier than a healthy weight.

"Parents need to ensure that not only are their children participating in sporting activities, but that they're fuelling their bodies with an appropriate intake of calories," Dr Yong said.

"Any parent who is concerned about how much their child weighs or would like advice on what their children should be eating should visit their GP."

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