ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the experiences of parents of overweight children in their younger years using in-depth interviews. Childhood obesity is a particularly sensitive subject. The scientific research paradigm assumes one truth and random samples, objectively sought, are tested so that generalizations can be made. Childhood obesity is extremely complex, and several reasons for children’s overweight were apparent in this study. Overweight and obese children tended to be regarded as a homogenous group, and so treatment strategies were mostly simple “eat less and do more messages,” irrespective of the child’s circumstances. The responses from health professionals ranged from being sympathetic to being dismissive and were likely to be reflecting two factors: the social stigma attached to being overweight as a personal responsibility and the lack of a solid evidence base for treating childhood obesity in primary and secondary care. One of the most difficult aspects of childhood obesity is the associated social sensitivity and the reluctance of anyone to discuss it.
