A plurality of Americans think both poor parenting and poor food choices cause childhood obesity, says a new poll. 29% said poor parenting, 24% said poor food choices, 4% thought childhood obesity was a disease, and 9% did not offer an opinion.
Men and women differed in their views on the causes of childhood obesity.
Among men
- 35% said poor parenting causes childhood obesity
- 31% selected both poor parenting and poor food choices
- 22% said it was poor food choices
- 4% said it as a disease; and
- 8% offered no opinion.
Among women:
- 36% percent thought both poor parenting and poor food choices cause childhood obesity
- 27% said it is caused by poor food choices
- 24% said poor parenting
- 3% said it is a disease; and
- 10% did not offer an opinion.
The nationwide telephone survey of 1,145 registered voters was conducted January 17, 2012 and has a margin of error of ±3%. Poll results are weighted to be a representative sampling of all American adults.
What do you think? Do you think that childhood obesity in America is a disease or is it caused by poor parenting, poor food choices, or both? Vote in the online companion poll and comment.
For a breakdown of survey participants by age, race, gender, and political affiliation in crosstabs for this poll, click here.
Source: Poll Position
Posted January 19, 2012
