A new survey from Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City found that three out of four parents think that insurance should cover obesity treatment. With more and more children falling into the obese category, the study wanted to investigate how obesity ranks among parents’ concerns. They found that about half of parents feel overweight children should undergo medical care while 81% feel the same about diabetes symptoms, 80% about asthma and 74% about a learning disability.

The study also asked parents if they would seek medical attention for a condition that would limit their child’s life expectancy and 94% said yes. The survey also found that 93% of parents would get their children medical attention if they had an issue that would impact their future health care costs. “Despite the attention on the obesity epidemic, the disconnect found among parents regarding the long-term outcomes associated with childhood obesity is concerning,” said Sarah Hampl, MD  medical director, Weight Management Services at Children’s Mercy. “Obese children have both immediate and future health problems, including hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. The survey illustrates that parents need help connecting the dots between having an overweight child and what their future health consequences may be.”

Eight out of ten parents surveyed say they have the greatest potential to prevent obesity, but roughly six in ten think schools need to pitch in. The majority of parents are in favor of schools changing physical education requirements and restricting unhealthy foods during fundraising activities. “It is evident that parents recognize that there is an issue and that they can have an impact on combating obesity,” said John Lantos, MD, the hospital’s Director of Pediatric Bioethics. “They need to set a healthy example and work with both physicians and schools to encourage a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity, healthy habits and nutritious food.”