Parents Blind To Kids' Excess Pounds

In a study of 151 overweight (or nearly overweight) children, 44 percent of parents didn't see the need to make healthful changes in their child's life Ñ such as encouraging exercise, limiting TV time and serving more fruits and vegetables.

Unfortunately, overweight children are more likely to have asthma, experience orthopedic injuries and have difficulty exercising. And, unless overweight children reach and maintain a healthy weight, they risk suffering from adult diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Understanding these health risks could motivate more parents to promote better lifestyle habits early on, said one researcher. The study was published in the journal Pediatrics.