Childhood obesity is usually associated with unhealthy food and too little physical activity. For this reason, many health initiatives focus on improving diet and increasing physical activity.
However, researchers from Yale University believe there may also be other causes.
According to their study published in Pediatrics, stress among parents may affect children’s eating habits and overall health.
When parents feel under pressure, it can become more difficult to maintain consistent daily routines. This may lead to more quick and less healthy meals within the family.
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The study
The study included 114 parents with children between the ages of two and five who were already overweight or at risk of becoming so.
The families participated in a 12-week program with weekly meetings.
Some parents received guidance on diet and physical activity. Others took part in a program where they also learned methods to manage stress and to be more mindful in their role as parents.
Among other factors, the researchers monitored the parents’ stress levels, the children’s eating habits, and the children’s weight.
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The results
After the trial, clear differences appeared between the groups.
Parents who participated in the stress-management program experienced lower stress levels and better interaction with their children. Their children also consumed fewer unhealthy foods.
Three months after the program, these children had not gained significant weight.
In the other group, the children’s weight increased more. In this group, the risk of moving into the overweight or obesity category was six times higher at follow-up.
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The findings therefore suggest that reducing parental stress may be an important part of efforts to prevent childhood obesity.
Sources: Science Daily, and Pediatrics.
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