A new study published by the International Journal of Obesity has revealed that children from middle class families (particularly where mothers are working) are more likely to be overweight, or obese than those from lower income families.

These finding are opposite to previous studies, which stated that children from lower income households were more likely to be overweight.

Researchers at the Institute of Child Health in London followed 13,000 children to the age of three, between 2000 and 2002. They found that families earning £22,000 to £33,000 were 10% more likely to be overweight, in comparison to those households earning under £11,000. While those earning over £33,000 were 15% more likely to be overweight.

Researchers also noted that the child’s likelihood of being overweight increased with the number of hours their mother worked per week. However, this relationship was only significant for the highest income families.

What are some of the possible reasons for this apparent trend?

• Parental time constraints may increase child’s consumption of snack foods and/or television use.
• Impeded access to healthy foods.
• Lack of encouragement to eat healthy foods.
• Lack of encouragement to take regular physical activity.
• Ability to afford unhealthy foods, therefore they are readily available and accessible.

The BBC report that in the last 25 years the number of stay-at-home mums has fallen from nearly 55% to just over 21%, therefore it would appear that this shift in maternal role may have some effect on the eating habits of our children.

Again, as with any new study, we ought to realise that this is not the case in all families where mothers are employed, however the study does provide an interesting alternative to what had previously been found regarding lower income families.

What can working parents do to prevent poor eating habits in their absence?

• Ensure that children are educated on choosing healthy snacks.
• Encourage physical activities, such as, joining football, netball, hockey clubs after school, walking to and from school, or cycling.
• Prepare healthy snacks and meals for children to eat.
• Allow time each day (if possible) where the whole family can sit down together for a meal, or some other activity.