Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

Mommy knows best and many daughters believe it, even where weight is concerned.

So if your mother fussed about her weight, you'll probably do the same.

Celena Smith, 33, like many women has a problem with her weight. "I'm a little too voluptuous," said the executive who weighs 150lb, is 5 feet 2 inches tall and wears a 38 DDD bra.

"My body weight is a little more than it should be," she said.

Ideally she would like to get down to 130 pounds and admits she's tried all kind of diets.

She reduced her carbohydrate intake with the Slim Fast diet where she had fruits for breakfast, one shake for lunch and another for dinner. It lasted for a month. The worst, however, was what she referred to as the 'hospital diet' which was supposed to last for three days at a time.

"I had a half of a grapefruit, black tea and toast for breakfast," she said. For lunch it was tuna and crackers and carrots and again tuna for dinner.

"I was full of gas all the time. That was horrible and it wasn't worth it," she said.

She says she isn't obsessive about her weight. "It just affects me fashion wise, certain styles I can't wear properly."

Daughter doing it

Her mother never fussed about her weight but her 11-year-old daughter has started doing it.

"She's already worried about getting fat. She looks in the mirror and says, 'My thighs are too big'. I don't want to get fat like my mommy." Something which Celena said is far from reality as she weighs 90 pounds and is tall.

"She's very bony," and she avoids soda, fatty and fried foods.

Dr. Heather Little White, food and nutrition consultant, said image means a lot to young people and parents and the media influence what they view as the ideal image. A mother should therefore establish a healthy relationship with her daughter about her weight.

"This should be the first source of accurate information in the home," Dr. Little White said.

Something which Celena says she has attempted to curb.

Previous comments

"I've stopped commenting on my weight in her presence to try to reverse the effects of my previous comments." Otherwise she takes every opportunity to reassure her that her body is fine.

But what if a parent realises that their child is overweight, what should they then do?

"You can't do it in an authoritative way," Dr. Little White explained; it's important to highlight the social benefits, like being more attractive to boys, as it will act as an incentive for losing weight as this is what they are most concerned about.

However, children shouldn't go on diets, Dr. Little White said, parents should encourage a lifestyle change which will benefit the parent as well. This includes reducing fried and stewed foods, replacing sugary snacks with healthier ones, eating vegetables and never leaving out physical activity.

Going on the Internet and checking your body mass index is a valid method of assessing one's weight and is a good starting point.

However, if despite the changes there is no result, then individuals should consult a professional to help to determine a realistic body weight.