Urgent warning after growing number of fat teenagers underestimate their weight

A GROWING number of fat teenagers are underestimating their weight in a “concerning” trend, scientists say.

It means they are less likely to shed the pounds and public health interventions to help them will not be as effective.

Researchers tracked more than 745,000 teens from 41 countries in Europe and North America for 16 years to see how their thoughts on their weight changed over time.

Overall, 13.7 per cent underestimated their weight.

Dr Anouk Geraets, of the University of Luxembourg, said: “It’s concerning that we’re seeing a trend where fewer adolescents perceive themselves as being overweight.

“This could undermine ongoing efforts to tackle increasing levels of obesity in this age group.

“Young people who do not consider themselves overweight may not feel they need to lose excess weight and, as a result, may make unhealthy lifestyle choices.”

In England last year, nearly a quarter of kids aged ten and 11 were obese and a further 14.3 per cent overweight.

Hospital admissions for obesity in under-17s surged by 40 per cent in the year to 2021-22.

The amount that were overweight also increased over the 16 years, researchers said.

Dr Geraets said: “The increase in underestimation might indicate the need for interventions to strengthen correct weight perception.

“More research is now needed to understand the factors underlying these time trends and to develop effective public health interventions.”