Working mothers and youth health

Numerous reports say that youth obesity has more than tripled over the past three decades. According to a brand new study by an American University professor, a common theme among overweight children is working moms who are frequently away from home. The study suggests that kids with the highest body mass index (BMI) lifetime tended to have moms who worked long hrs outside the home. This is even without people getting pay day loans to purchase their food.

The weight problems link

The childhood weight problems study, 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. There was a small but cumulative effect on the BMIs of children that came from the total number of years of employment for working mothers which was discovered by research founder Prof. Taryn Morrissey from American University's Public Administration and Policy department. Over time, higher BMI can increase the chances of being obese.

Surprisingly, such factors as the children’s physical activity levels and TV time did not explain the link between maternal employment and children’s Body Mass Index, the research indicates. Researchers were confused when even the time of day a mother worked did not make a difference in the BMI level.

Food cooking unusual

With working getting in the way, working parents cannot shop and prepare food. That is most likely the cause. You will find more calories typically in pre-prepared foods and when eating out. That means that these children were getting more of these meals.

Fixing the problem

As childhood obesity can lead to a lesser life expectancy – as much as 2 to five years, in accordance with a study conducted by Children’s Hospital in Boston – as well as behavior problems and obesity-related illnesses like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, Prof. Morrissey believes intervention is needed. It is important to make healthy, affordable food accessible. Society will become healthier this way.

"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.

Citations

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