That may or may not be a healthy goal. There's no doubt that Americans, on the whole, are heavier than we need to be. Obesity is on the rise, and it's not a healthy trend. But at the same time, our national obsession with weight may be having a negative impact on our children. Children as young as 8 are aware of dieting and body image, according to California researchers.
Young girls appear to be most at risk because they tend to gain body fat as they begin puberty.
If they're already insecure about their weight and appearance, this could lead to eating disorders. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say they're seeing younger and younger patients with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia nervosa. They blame the media, in part, for showing extremely thin girls and young women as role models and for putting thin girls in sexual adult roles using makeup, clothing and provocative poses. If your daughter shows signs of an obsession with food, weight or exercise and starts withdrawing from family or friends, it's possible that she could be developing an eating disorder. Talk to your doctor about the symptoms and about treatment options.