How Does a Mom's Lifestyle Affect Her Child

Byline: Submitted by Advocate Children's Hospital

With obesity now affecting one in six children and adolescents in the U.S., researchers are seeking to uncover if and how a mother's lifestyle habits impact her child's weight.

The findings, recently published online in BMJ, revealed that maternal obesity, smoking and physical activity were strongly associated with obesity among children.

The study's main conclusion was that children and adolescents of mothers who maintain an overall healthy lifestyle, including five key habits (eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, keeping a healthy body weight, drinking alcohol in moderation and not smoking) are 75 percent less likely to become obese compared to mothers who do not maintain those five habits.

"This study highlights the importance of a family-based approach to obesity prevention," says Dr. Matthew Smiley, a pediatrician and medical director of the Healthy Active Living Program at Advocate Children's Hospital.

"Whether you are trying to instill healthy habits early in a child's life, or trying to break bad habits and start new healthy habits, it is imperative that the whole family be on board with living a healthy, active lifestyle."

Dr. Smiley says the study also underscores the importance of role-modeling for our children.

"Do as I say, not as I do" does not always work, especially when it comes to healthy nutrition and lifestyle habits.
https://www.mawread.com/2018/09/how-does-moms-lifestyle-affect-her-child.html