Many American mothers appear to have misconceptions about child nutrition that increase the odds that their children will be obese, according to the results of a small study. Most of the 14 low-income mothers included in the study believed that a heavier child was a healthier child. Most introduced cereal and other solid foods earlier than recommended because they thought milk alone would not satisfy their child's hunger. And as their children got older, most mothers continued to soothe them with food. Nearly 1 in 4 children in the US is obese, and obese children are more likely to become obese adults, research suggests. Obesity increases risks of heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and many other health problems.

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

I believe how most of our children are fed is a great tragedy. It is absolutely amazing to me that more kids are not brain injured as a result of the food they eat. Grains are not good for most children and they need to be replaced with vegetables. I would strongly recommend applying the principles in my Optimal Wellness Handout which is in "The Basics" on the home page of my web site. If the child has ADHD it would be wise to rigidly restrict all grains and review the Heller's excellent text Carbohydrate Addicted Kids Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine October, 1998;152:1010-1014.