A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity indicated those children with an overweight father and a healthy-weight mother are more at risk for overweight or obesity. Those children who had a healthy weight father and an overweight mother did not significantly predict that child would be overweight/obese. This study also indicated those children with both parents being overweight have increased chances of becoming overweight themselves, compared to a child who has both parents who are at a healthy weight.
This study did not only indicate the important role a father has in the development of their child’s weight status, but also the relationship between parents and their children in relation to their weight. I thought this study was interesting to share with you as it truly shows how impacting parent’s habits and their lifestyle can be on their child.
In efforts to prevent obesity, it’s very important for parents to instill healthy habits in their children at a young age. The saying practice what you preach means a great deal with this relationship. Parents often get after their child to eat their vegetables, drink their milk, etc, however the parent should be practicing these habits as well! In addition, it’s important for the whole family to work on healthy habits together. Planning meals and snacks together based on the fundamentals of MyPlate is a good experience for the child to learn more about healthy eating. In addition to nutrition, it’s very important to encourage regular activity. Dr. Dan is an excellent example of a how a Dad can be a great role model to his kids in this area!
I included one of my favorite pictures of my niece Kate at the Children’s Museum in Brookings. Her parents have done a great job teaching her about eating healthy as she skipped all of the junk foods in the mock store and filled up her cart with fresh fruits and veggies. At age 3, she has a good start to a long and healthy life!
-Kelsey