An Italian father who forced his two daughters to go on a diet and practice ski at competitive level because he thought they were "fat" has been found guilty of psychological abuse and sentenced to nine months' imprisonment.

The 53-yea-old man from Turin, in north-west Italy, was reported to authorities by his separated wife. The couple's daughters had complained to her about their father, telling her that they no longer wanted to see him.

The ANSA news agency quoted the father's lawyer, who did not want to be named, as saying that his client had expressed "normal" concerns for his daughters' wellbeing. An appeal against the ruling by the Turin court is to be lodged.

Due to privacy laws, Italian media did not provide details about the daughters' weight.

The man was not expected to be imprisoned, as in Italy people who are given short jail terms, especially if they have no previous criminal record, are normally given suspended sentences.