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"Baryphobia"

By Matthew Tiemeyer, About.com

Updated: April 17, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Definition:

Baryphobia is essentially a fear of obesity in children that results in restricted food intake. In an attempt to prevent weight gain, parents subject the child to the low-calorie diet they follow themselves. Ultimately, the loss of calories stunts the child's growth.

Source:

Sardesai V. Introduction to Clinical Nutrition. 2nd ed. New York: Marcel Decker; 2003.

Pronunciation: BEAR-eh-PHO'-bee-ah

Common Misspellings: barophobia (which is the fear of gravity)

Examples: When George heard the dietitian suggest the presence of baryphobia, it was the first time someone had challenged his enforcement of a strict diet for his daughter.

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