Working moms have more obese kids, says research

The epidemic of childhood weight problems has grown by over 300 percent since 1980, numerous studies suggest. Now a new research out of American University suggests that there may be a common link between higher instances of childhood obesity and working mothers who are often from home. Households with mothers who worked more hrs had kids with a higher body mass index (BMI) over their lifetimes, the research found. This is even without people taking out payday loans to purchase their food.

The reason why obesity is correlated

The youth obesity research, which was published in the January/February issue of the journal Child Development, looked at 990 children from grades 3, 5 and 6, sampled from 10 cities across the U.S. Study founder Prof. Taryn Morrissey from American University’s Public Administration and Policy department, found the total number of years working moms were employed had a small but cumulative influence on their children’s BMI. Over time, higher BMI can increase the chances of being obese.

The link between employment of a mother and a children's BMI was not explained by the children's physical activity levels or even TV time. Researchers were confused when even the time of day a mother worked did not make a difference in the BMI level.

Food cooking unusual

The most likely culprit that Morrissey and team identified was the lack of time working parents have to shop for groceries and prepare food. The connection tended to be more about eating out and eating more pre-prepared foods which tend to have more calories in them.

How to fix it

Behavior problems and obesity related illnesses like high cholesterol, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, along with lesser life expectancy which the Children's Hospital in Boston concluded can be as much as five years, are all what childhood obesity can cause which is the reason why Prof. Morrissey thinks something needs to be done. Expanding the availability of healthy, affordable food is paramount to a healthier society.

"Community- and school-based programs offer promise for promoting healthy weight by providing information to children and their families about nutrition and exercise, as well as how to make quick, healthy meals," Morrissey said.

Articles cited

American University

american.edu/media/news/20110204-Childrens-BMI-May-Rise-Longer-Mothers-Work.cfm

Wiley

wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0009-3920

USA Today

usatoday.com/news/health/2005-03-16-obesity-lifespan_x.htm

Mom, get your kids on the juice. Jack LaLanne would approve.

youtube.com/watch?v=4AEeQZh1s4A