KEY POINTS:
Weight and looks rate higher among Kiwis' medical concerns than the health of their children, according to new research.
A survey of 867 women and 625 men by the Southern Cross Medical Care Society revealed less than half of the women questioned - 47 per cent - said their children's health was among their biggest concerns.
Men also put themselves first, with only 26 per cent of men rating their children's health as a major worry.
Murray Edridge, chief executive of child advocacy service Barnardos New Zealand, said the difference between the number of men and women who listed their children's health as a major concern was disappointing but not surprising.
"It reflects that women take primary responsibility for children ... that's maternal," he said.
Edridge said that when people were asked about their own health concerns, it was natural other people's health did not factor.
Other top health issues for women included fitness, stress, cancer and sleep quality.
Men mirrored their female counterparts, but also said high blood pressure was a main concern.
Dr Simon Thornley, a public health doctor for the Counties Manukau District Health Board, said weight was bound to be a priority, with increasing levels of obesity "creating some anxiety".
"Weight is something that's so visible and impacts on people's appearance and health. From a health point of view I would like people to be more concerned about a variety of things which can impact on their health, like blood pressure, cholesterol and overall cardio risks but for most people weight is tangible."
Thornley, an Auckland University researcher specialising in food addiction, smoking and the major causes of death and disease, said people should let their GP decide their biggest health concern.
"Things like cancer and heart disease are the most common causes of death in adults.
"People should get a full cardiovascular check from their GP and talk to them about what their risks are."
