A weight loss doctor has warned that forcing children to finish everything on their plate could lead to overeating habits and obesity later in life. As parents, it’s tempting to encourage children to eat everything on their plate, often to avoid waste or ensure they’re eating enough.
However, this well-meaning habit can create an unhealthy relationship with food that persists into adulthood, contributing to overeating and obesity. “Children are born with an innate ability to recognise when they’re hungry or full,” explains Professor Franklin Joseph of Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic.
“When we pressure them to eat beyond their comfort, we teach them to ignore these signals, leading to overeating and weight issues later in life.” These concerns are echoed in findings fromThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, which highlights obesity as a spectrum and calls for a focus on overall health rather than solely relying on Body Mass Index (BMI).
“Obesity is complex,” says the report’s chair, Professor Francesco Rubino of King’s College London. “Some individuals live healthy lives despite excess weight, while others face severe health issues.”
Prof Joseph adds: “Pressuring children to eat more than they need fosters emotional eating habits, laying the groundwork for pre-clinical obesity, where individuals are at risk but not yet experiencing disease.”
A child’s weight is often seen as an indicator of health, but Prof Joseph warns against over-relying on BMI. “BMI is a useful population-level tool, but it doesn’t account for differences in muscle mass, fat distribution, or metabolic health,” he explains. Focusing on BMI can encourage an unhealthy fixation on weight rather than overall health. Instead, Prof Joseph advocates teaching children to listen to their bodies and eat a variety of nutritious foods.
Rather than insisting children clear their plates, Prof Joseph suggests a more balanced approach:
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Start small: Serving smaller portions allows children to ask for more if they’re still hungry and helps reduce waste.
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Introduce variety: Offering different flavours and textures without pressure encourages a positive relationship with food.
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Respect their signals: Forcing children to eat when they say they’re full can create negative associations with food. Listening to their cues is key to developing lifelong healthy habits.
The consequences of a poor relationship with food often extend into adulthood. “We see adults in our clinic struggling with overeating habits formed in childhood,” says Prof Joseph. “These behaviours can lead to obesity, emotional eating, and using food as a coping mechanism.”
Encouraging children to trust their hunger signals and enjoy food without guilt lays the foundation for lifelong health.
“Food should nourish the body and bring joy, not pressure or guilt,” he adds. “Teaching children to listen to their bodies helps build a healthy future.”