Report: Heavy Kids Often Don't See Themselves As Overweight

WASHINGTON, DC (CBS) – Overweight kids may not see themselves as overweight, a new survey reveals.

The data, which is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Survey, shows that approximately 81% of overweight boys and 71% of overweight girls between the ages of 8 and 15 perceived themselves as being at a healthy weight.

Furthermore, weight misperception varied according to sociodemographic factors. Boys were more likely to misperceive their weight than girls, and non-Hispanic black and Mexican-American kids were more likely than white children to see their weight as "just right" even if they were overweight. Weight misperception was also much less likely if children surveyed were from a high-income family.

According to the CDC, the study's findings could help influence public health initiatives targeting childhood obesity.

To read more on the report, click here.

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