Around 40 percent to 45 percent of 10-year-olds in the USA feel overweight and one third have dieted.
2. High school girls who diet are more likely to gain weight at the end of four years than those who don't. Research suggests that the girls, like most unsuccessful dieters, suppress their desire to eat and end up actually overeating when their desires outweigh their willpower. A positive influence on healthy eating for the girls is the family dinner - if parents make it a priority, their children learn first-hand what balanced eating is and develop healthier habits to last a lifetime.