Growth charts perplex parents

A growth chart used to monitor height of girls...

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According to several articles today, a study shows part of the childhood obesity problem can be blamed on parents not understanding growth charts.

The whole percentile thing is complex on first glance, but I figure as long as the height and weight percentages are about in the same range (and weight isn’t vastly higher than height), you’re in good shape.

With twins born five weeks early, I figure we’re always going to be in the low end of the charts.

I am surprised, though, that researchers are saying confusion about the charts somehow makes it so parents don’t realize their children are overweight compared to their peers. Wouldn’t the doctor say something?

Jennifer Gish