New Study Shows Most Moms Unconcerned About Child's Weight

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 16 percent of American children ages 6 to 19 are over weight, a 45 percent increase from 1994. With the rise in childhood obesity, and the media's preoccupation with it, you would think that American mothers would be concerned about the epidemic, but a new Woman's Day Magazine/AOL Food Report finds that 79 percent of them are not worried about their child's weight. The study polled over 2500 American women to learn their eating habits and their opinions on nutrition and food related issues.

According to the report, fast food remains a major part of the American diet, with 36 percent of poll respondents admitting to eating fast food one a week, and sixteen percent eating fast food at least twice a week. Convenience weighed heavily into most women's decision to eat fast food, while cost was another consideration. When quizzed about the cost of healthy eating, 80 percent of women believed that they would eat healthier if options that were lower in fat, calories, sugar and sodium were more affordable, but 85 percent did not attribute their eating habits to cost, saying price seldom entered into their food decisions. Stress also plays a major role in unhealthy eating habits, with 59 percent of women admitting to indulging in junk food when feeling overwhelmed, with sweets such as candy and cookies being the most popular treats.

In spite of being frequent consumers of junk food and fast food, women are worried about their weight. Of the more than 2500 women polled, only 21 percent had never really been on a diet, but 43 percent admit to only sticking with a diet for a week before going off their program by cheating. Food is also a source of guilt for women, with 32 percent saying they regret something they eat almost every single day.