Household routines linked to childhood obesity risk
Eating dinner as a family, limiting weekday TV viewing time and getting adequate sleep can all reduce a child's risk of obesity, according to a new study.
Research to be published in the March issue of the journal Pediatrics found that four-year-olds who live in households that regularly enforce a combination of these routines are 40 per cent less likely to be obese.
In response to the findings, lead author of the report Sarah Anderson, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Ohio State University, said: "These routines may have the opportunity for impact.
"They may help families move beyond the discussion of eating and exercise to other aspects of behaviour and biology that have potential to be linked to obesity. Parents should talk to their doctor if they're worried about their child's weight."
The most recent figures from Bupa show that in 2004 an estimated 14 per cent of boys and 17 per cent of girls aged between two and 15 in the UK were classified as obese.
Research to be published in the March issue of the journal Pediatrics found that four-year-olds who live in households that regularly enforce a combination of these routines are 40 per cent less likely to be obese.
In response to the findings, lead author of the report Sarah Anderson, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Ohio State University, said: "These routines may have the opportunity for impact.
"They may help families move beyond the discussion of eating and exercise to other aspects of behaviour and biology that have potential to be linked to obesity. Parents should talk to their doctor if they're worried about their child's weight."
The most recent figures from Bupa show that in 2004 an estimated 14 per cent of boys and 17 per cent of girls aged between two and 15 in the UK were classified as obese.