Eric Robinson from Liverpool University and Angelina Sutin from Florida State University conducted two studies observing the development of children. The first study, titled “Longitudinal Study of Australian Children”, tracked the weight of children from 4,983 families from the ages of 4-5 until 14-15 years. Parents were asked if they regarded their children to be underweight, of normal weight, slightly overweight or overweight.

The study found that children who were deemed fat at the age of 4 or 5 “gained more weight in the next decade because they considered themselves to be ‘too fat’”.

The same group of children “attempted to lose weight more often through diets at the age of 12 or 13, compared to those who were considered by their parents to have a normal weight at a young age,” the study concluded.

(Read also: Hefty children do not equal healthy children)

Only one out of five of the children in the study fell into the category of overweight or obese, and 86 percent of all parents believed their children to be of normal weight.

The second study, which involved 8,568 families in Ireland, observed the development of children from the age of 9 until 13. Parents were interviewed about their views on their children’s weight, and the results corresponded to the first study.

Compared to children who were deemed to be of normal weight by their parents, children who were thought to be overweight at the age of 9 turned out to “weigh heavier at the age of 13.”

Similar to the first study, Antara news agency reported that these children more frequently attempted to lose weight by dieting.

Parents are encouraged to reevaluate their judgment of their children’s body-size and weight and to really confirm what category their weight falls into, instead of saying things that are hurtful and which may not be true. (mra/kes)