Stressed parents are more likely to have obese children

A new study has found that children are more likely to be obese if their parents are stressed.

 

The study, published in the Pediatric Obesity journal, found that children whose parents have high levels of stress are more likely to have a BMI higher than those whose parents have low levels of stress and gain weight 7% faster.

 

It is not clear why there is a link between a parent’s stress levels and childhood obesity, but Dr. Ketan Shankardass, one of the researchers involved, thinks that stressed parents are more likely to buy readymade meals than preparing healthy ones.

 

The study conducted by St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto “looked at data collected during the Children's Health Study, one of the largest and most comprehensive investigations into the long-term effects of air pollution on the respiratory health of children.”

 

Dr. Shankardass warns that if weight gain is not stopped at an early age it will lead to health problems in the future.

 

Recommendations suggest that rather than focusing on getting parents to change their behaviour, families should be supported and made sure they have a reliable supply of healthy food or living conditions.