Offering fresh insight into the childhood obesity epidemic new research suggests that almost 1/3 of children between 8 and 15 do not have an accurate understanding of their true weight.

The finding follows an analysis conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In focus were data collected by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2005 and 2012.

Overall, 3 in 10 children polled demonstrated a noticeable gap between their perceived weight and their actual weight. For example more than 2 million children who did fall within healthy weight norms nevertheless felt they were either too thin or too fat. More than 80% of overweight boys and 70% of overweight girls mistakenly thought their weight status was in the normal weight range. Weight misperception was higher among boys and higher among children from lower-income families.

The study authors say accurate perception of weight status has been linked to appropriate weight control behaviors in youth and the findings may help with public health interventions.

I’m Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV with the health news for you and your family.

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