Last Updated Tue, 22 Aug 2006 06:54:59 EDT

CBC News
Parents are not acknowledging that their children are gaining weight, the head of the Canadian Medical Association said Monday.

At least 25 per cent of Canadians aged two to 17 are too heavy, according to Statistics Canada.

But only nine per cent of parents seem to realize their children are getting fat, a survey sponsored by the CMA found.

At the association's annual meeting, being held this week in Charlottetown, CMA president Dr. Ruth Collins-Nikai said doctors would discuss ways to alert mothers and fathers to the heavy reality.

"Parents seem to be looking at the health of their own children through rose-coloured glasses," said Collins-Nikai, a cardiac care specialist.

Parents reported overwhelming support, 92 per cent, for mandatory physical activity in school.

While Alberta and Quebec have implemented mandatory physical education, activity levels do not always reach moderate or vigorous levels that experts recommend.

The poll also suggested:

• 61 per cent of parents support bans on junk-food advertising targeting children.
• 43 per cent somewhat or strongly support a new tax on junk food
• 81 per cent support the removal of junk food from school vending machines.
• 80 per cent supported providing tax breaks to parents who pay for sports and other physical activities.

• 74 per cent agreed that there are not enough mental health services for children and youth.
• 66 per cent said the mental health needs of these children and youth are often unmet because families cannot afford the services.