Healthy Living

Parenting-style linked to the Development of Obesity in Children

By | Mar 20, 2014 11:53 AM EDT
Parenting style is linked to the Development of Obesity in Children (Photo : Flickr)

Children with parents who are harsh and compassionless have 37 percent higher chances of developing obesity, according to a study.

Canadian researchers used data from national representative sample of 37,577 children aged between 0 and 11 to assess the impacts of different parenting styles, relationship and rapport on BMI rates of children. The study involved evaluation of two parenting styles-permissive or responsible parenting but less demanding and negligent parenting that is neither responsive nor demanding and authoritative.  They surveyed parents and noted comparisons between children of parents who were affectionate and approachable against those whose parents were stern, demanding and uncommunicative.

It was found that authoritative style or rigid parenting led to 37 percent increased chances for obesity in children aged between six and 11. While the chances for obesity were 30 percent high among toddlers aged between two and five.  

Lisa Kakinami, study author and a post-doctoral epidemiologist at McGill University in Montreal, said in a news release, "Parents should at least be aware of their parenting style. If you're treating your child with a balance of affection and limits - these are the kids who are least likely to be obese."

The authors believe parenting style irrespective of the high of low income of the parents triggered obesity issues in children. They also noted association between poverty and obesity.

 Children with excess body weight are likely to develop negative body image, depression and poor self esteem. Obesity triggers a number of psychological and health problems in children. The experts believe in early prevention and intervention by discovering various factors at home.

Dr. Stephen Daniels, pediatrician-in-chief and chairman of pediatrics at Children's Hospital Colorado, who was not involved in the study said, "It appears that parents who are more engaged in discussing eating and physical activity behaviors with children - where the child has the ability to participate in making decisions for the family as well as themselves - seems to be the style that has the best impact," reports the HealthDay.

According to the estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of the children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese and overweight. The figure has doubled among children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past three decades.

The study was presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention: Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism Scientific Session 2014.        

© MD News Daily.

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