Jul 26 2009
The Size of a Role Model
Parents are our first role models. Recent research out the UK has found that the size of that role model is a risk factor for obesity.
A study published July 13 in the International Journal of Obesity indicates that girls whose mothers are classified as clinically obese are significantly more likely to struggle with weight problems in childhood, with a similar relationship existing between obese fathers and their sons.
Does the correlation tell of a “mere” genetic link? Apparently not.
The findings showed that the same trend does not exist between mothers and their sons and fathers and their daughters – meaning that behavioural, rather than genetic, factors could be the key to unravelling the causes of the current obesity epidemic affecting children in the UK.
If more weight means lesser health — both physical and mental — this research may provide a clue to one way to combat obesity. Society may “need to focus on changing the behaviour of the adult if we want to combat obesity in the child.”
Dads – if you don’t want a chunky “little man” following you around, put down that donut. Moms – if you don’t want your little princess going to the prom in a plus-size dress, make salads a bigger part of your diet.
