Prevent Obesity By Dining with Your Folks: Study

Children from families that eat together are rarely obese, according to a study. 

An old saying goes, families that eat together stay together. Findings of a new research suggest dining with the folks helps children stay slim as well as eat healthy. Recently, experts from the University of Minnesota and Columbia University analyzed data of past 10 published researches involving over 2,200 participants to assess the relation between eating habits, home environment and BMI levels. Nearly 55 percent of the subjects were overweight while, 22 percent were obese, reports the Business Standard. 

The analysis revealed about 60 percent of children who never ate with their families had unhealthy body weight and 29 percent were mostly obese. In addition, the study noted the risk of obesity was low for those who ate with their family at least once or twice a week. The results also found families of African American participants were most particular about the quality, portion and nutritional levels of home served food, fruits and vegetables compared to that of White American subjects. But, race and ethnicity of the volunteers had no influence on their BMI levels.

Apart from ensuring that children eat the right amount of healthy food, eating with the family strengthens bonds. A past research discovered that eating out in restaurants and fast food chains can make people put on excess weight. Eating home cooked meal can help people avoid intake of additives, harmful chemicals and flavorings in food that alter hormonal balance and increase body weight.

"It is important to identify modifiable factors in the home environment, such as family meals, that can protect against overweight/obesity through the transition to adulthood. Informing parents that even having 1 or 2 family meals per week may protect their child from overweight or obesity in young adulthood would be important," said Jerica M. Berge, study author and researcher from the University of Minnesota in a press release.

More information is available online in the journal of Pediatrics.