WHEN it comes to diets it’s often the throwaway comment that does the harm.

I’m sure we can all recall people casually saying something like “Do you really think you should have that cake/chocolate/chip/burger?” or insinuating that perhaps we could lose a pound or two.

These remarks are often made in a kind way by concerned family or friends but the problem is that there is a fine line between worrying about a person’s weight problem and creating one for them.

The current obesity epidemic means that parents do need to monitor children’s diet and general eating habits, encouraging healthy eating. As always, though, it’s the extremes that do the damage.

Children are subject not only to peer pressure but to unrealistic expectations engendered by the cult of celebrity which strives for the so-called “perfect body.” It is something that parents tend to watch out for but this week, a girls’ school head warned them to be careful exactly what they say about diets in their children’s hearing.

Fionnuala Kennedy is deputy head of Wimbledon High School and believes that conversations with youngsters about cutting out food groups and so-called “clean eating”, which seem to form the latest diet ideas, may not be helpful.

She advocates instead a more rounded, healthy diet but she also warned how mothers, as role models for their daughters, have to be particularly careful in the way they discuss food.

She’s right because talking about diets is very fashionable now and young people are swiftly influenced. Ms Kennedy also mentioned the controversial Netflix drama To The Bone which has been accused of glamorising anorexia. Again, worrying as Netflix is very popular with teens and diet is something they discuss together.

I suppose that, all in all, we as adults need to be properly informed about exactly what is healthy and what is not when it comes to diet – and set a good example.

Then, if we have children, we can present information sensibly and in a way to them that won’t prompt an extreme reaction.

Modern children are particularly bright and quick and soon pick up on messages that parents send out. They are very interested in their appearance and all we can do is try to ensure they get the right information and eat well.

It’s moderation in all things that leads to normal, healthy development and that applies to diet discussions as well.