Two studies published today by the journal Pediatrics examine parents' health behaviors and how they might affect children.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota studied height, weight, diet, and exercise habits in 1,500 young adults (in their mid- to late 20s), including some who had small children. Compared to women without children, mothers had higher BMIs and consumed more sugar-sweetened drinks, saturated fats, and total calories. But their intake of healthy foods and nutrients (such as whole grains, calcium, fiber, and fruit) was comparable to the non-moms. The diets of dads and men without children were about the same.
Both moms and dads reported lower amounts of physical activity than women and men without kids. The researchers noted the obstacles that new parents, especially mothers, face, in terms of adjusting to caregiving duties and retaining pregnancy weight. But, the study notes, "young adults may continue these behaviors into adulthood, putting them at high risk for obesity. In addition, the modeling of poor dietary intake and physical activity may influence children's health behavior."
The authors suggest that pediatricians be aware of these results so they can address them during kids' check-ups. "Providers may find benefit in talking with new parents about their personal barriers to eating healthy and being physically active, and work with them to identify ways to overcome these barriers."
Tomorrow, we'll look at the second study, which shows a strong correlation between parents' sedentary time and their kids'.