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Researchers at BYU say children's TV may help them get a better handle on body image.
The study looked at 19 children's shows on Discovery Kids, Disney and Nickelodeon and found the characters on them were more likely to have a realistic weight, or even be a little on the heavy side, than the characters on grown-up shows.
St. Mark's dietitian Megan Stanger says that's a positive change from the past, because what children watch really does affect how they see themselves.
"They see what the children are doing on those programs, and how active they are, and how they socialize with others," Stanger said. "Just seeing people on TV, or seeing who's famous or who's wealthy, has a huge impact on who you think you should be, or what you strive to be."
Her co-worker, dietitian Liz Bynan agrees. "Children these days are picking up on all of that stuff. Whatever they're doing, they're probably doing at home as well," she said.
But both Bynan and Stanger say what mom and dad eat is just as important when it comes to shaping your child's habits.
The study's findings are in the June issue of Body Image.
E-mail: bbruce@ksl.com
