Study: Parents Of Young Children Less Fit Than Childless Adults

By: Associated Press | WJBF-TV
Published: April 11, 2011

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Chicago, IL --

A new study suggests kids might be to blame for new parents' bad health habits.

It found mothers of young children were heavier and ate more calories, sugary drinks and fatty foods than the childless women studied. Dad and moms in the study were less active that their peers without kids.

A University of Minnesota researcher says it's not a study about blame. She says the results highlight a risky time for parents that doctors should be aware of so they can offer solutions. That may include diet advice, parent-child exercise classes, or just getting parents to take walks with their kids.

The study was published online Monday in the journal Pediatrics.