One in 10 parents regularly give their children adult-sized portions of popular meals, a new study finds.Almost one in eight children are regularly overfed, a new study has found, sparking a new child obesity warning. The study, commissioned by the Infant and Toddler Forum (ITF), revealed that 79% of children aged one to four are often given more than the recommended portion size for their age. A further one in 10 parents regularly serve adult-sized portions of popular meals.
Responding to the findings, the ITF warned that routinely overfeeding children overrides their natural ability to regulate food intake, increasing their chances of becoming obese in later life.
Gill Harris, child and clinical psychologist and a member of the ITF, said: “It’s never too early to start promoting healthy eating habits.
“Most toddlers are naturally better than older children and adults at regulating their food intake.”They usually only eat what they need and don’t overeat. However, portion size is critical. It’s one of the main ways in which, as parents, we can inadvertently override children’s self-regulation systems.”
