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WOMAN UNVEILS 'WATCH THEIR WEIGHT' SURVEY RESULTS

September 22, 2003

IPC Connect's Woman magazine, one of the UK's most recognised Women's Weeklies, has released results from its major survey into weight issues relating to young children.

The survey, which is backed by the National Obesity Forum, asked readers if they were worried about their children's weight, with the resounding response being 'Yes'. Over the last 25 years, the number of obese and overweight children has doubled, as has the cases of anorexia and bulimia.

Specifically, some of the results from Woman's survey are:

• 46% say their children worry about their shape


• 28% children think they are overweight


• 22% have been bullied because of their weight


• 44% of parents think their children don't get enough exercise at school


• 41% of children have sweets and chocolates every day


• 61% of parents think it is dangerous for their children to play outside on their own

The survey is part of Woman's ongoing 'Watch their Weight' campaign which aims to highlight children's eating habits and to help parents improve them if need be. The introduction of weekly nutritional pages and real life stories addressing children's weight issues are just a few of the steps Woman has taken to assist parents in helping their child to eat and exercise properly.

Carole Russell, editor of Woman, says: “We know that many of our readers are diet conscious but they now seem to be transferring their own concerns about their weight to their children. Through this survey, and our on-going commitment to the 'Watch their Weight' campaign, Woman continues to deliver its readers the very latest in nutrition and health advice for both themselves and their children.”

Woman's 'Watch their Weight' survey results issue goes on sale September 23.

For further information, please contact Edwina Jenner, corporate communications executive, IPC Media, Tel: 020 7261 5710 or
Email: edwina_jenner@ipcmedia.com