to think taking children to weight loss groups is wrong?

[EmmaGrundyForPM]

I'm posting here rather than on the weight loss boards as it seems more appropriate.

I've recently joined a weight loss group. It's one of the "big name" ones with weekly meetings. I don't want opinions of the merits of these groups, but I am concerned about one aspect.

At the first meeting I went to, there was a child present, about 9 or 10 years old. Their mum was a group member, child sat through the group and played on their iPad throughout the session. Everyone gets weighed, lots of talk about how much people have gained or lost over Christmas. Then some "motivational" words from.the group leader.

Today I went to a different group (same leader) as I couldn't make the usual one. There were more children this time, and younger - I'd say maybe 5 - 8 year olds. Again, lots of talk about sticking to the diet, importance of thinking about what you're putting in your mouth/body, lots of clapping for people who'd lost weight.

AIBU for thinking that under 18s shouldn't be allowed in these groups? I appreciate that they are not taking part as such, and it's not aimed at them, but I'm concerned that they are picking up messages around dieting and weight loss.

I know it's really difficult if people are single parents and can't afford or arrange a babysitter, but there are online options which have got to be better, surely?

I've been going to Slimming World for 6 months or so, and I've had to take DD a handful of times due to DH's shifts.

While I'd much rather go alone, sometimes it's impractical. I don't stay to the group when she's with me - she has no need to hear about issues other people may have with food.

The messaging isnt ideal (but i feel that all the messaging at schools about "healthy foods" is a bit OTT anyway) but presumably the messaging is that the people attending are overweight and losing weight to be healthy and it thin and sexy so it seems consistent.

I think anyone taking a child probably feels they have bo choice and od rather they did, particularly if their weight is causing health issues, rather than stating home. If someone is overweight and using these sessions to reach a healthy weight then it's not a lot different to a medical appointment really. Its adults that attach emotion to weight and self worth and body image, children probably arent paying much attention of there is an iPad on offer.

And not to be thin and sexy

My mum was a single mum and I went to a few with her when I was about 10. I was going to comment that I didn’t see the big issue. But to be fair, I did develop an eating disorder aged 12 and I knew all about calories somehow. I was always an underweight child by genetics, but by that age I had an obsession with getting thinner and would never allow myself more than 800 calories a day, sometimes I kept it to 500 if I ‘needed’ to loose more. I was also running a few miles a day. By 13 I was 5ft 1 and weighed 5st 3. On reflection, I think it must’ve had an impact. Luckily, by 15 I developed an obsession with running and turned my focus more towards that, and coped by never stepping on the scales or looking in the mirror. To this day I’m underweight and struggle, but it doesn’t get too excessive.