Parents' experiences following conversations about their young child's weight in the primary health care setting: a study within the STOP project

In primary healthcare, conversations between clinicians and parents about young children’s over-
weight are key to providing support and initiating weight management. However, given the sensitivity of this topic,
these conversations are difficult for both clinicians and parents and are sometimes delayed or avoided. To understand
the emotional impact of these conversations, this study aims to shed light on parents’ experiences following conver-
sations with primary care nurses about their child’s overweight.

The findings show that while conversations with primary care nurses about children’s weight were often emotional, most
parents felt these conversations were ultimately helpful, as they encouraged them to enact positive lifestyle changes.
Importantly, when nurses initiated conversations in a responsive, non-blaming way, inviting parents to reflect on
their situation, parents felt more supported and empowered. These findings convey the importance of providing communication skills training to pediatric healthcare professionals, with particular focus on childhood overweight
and obesity.