Study Shows 5-Year-Olds Obsessed with Weight

A new study shows that the anti-fat messages are getting through and having a large impact. But not necesarily on those for whom it was designed. This study indicates that while a large anti-obesity in Australia was intended to combat overweight conditions in adults, it is young girls who are primarily getting the message and becoming obsessed. Apparently, between government education programs and the existing media culture which obsesses about thin, thin, thin, they never had a chance.

Almost half (46.9 per cent) wanted to be thinner, and 45.7 per cent said they would go on a diet if they gained weight. Among five-year-olds, 28.6 per cent wished they were thinner. After being shown pictures of a girl before and after putting on weight, 35 per cent of the girls thought her eating habits were to blame, and 28.6 per cent said she should go on a diet. Around 71 per cent of girls aged seven said they wanted to be thinner...Most of the girls believed that being thin would make them more likeable, although few said they discussed their bodies with friends. Their ideas about their friends' unhappiness with their bodies were linked to their own unhappiness with their bodies.

Sigh. Whatever happened to letting kids be kids and letting them be free of these kinds of cares?