Obese Moms Beware: Your Daughter Is Watching
Posted: Sunday, July 12, 2009
by Laura Trahan
A new study released found that daughters of obese mothers were more likely to be obese. Don't worry moms. Dad isn't off the hook either. The same study found that if dad was obese, then most of the time their son was obese as well.
With all the concern over childhood obesity over the last few years, maybe the health organizations should be looking at changing the parents instead of the kids. Hopefully this study will mean just that.
Researchers contend that the obesity is not a genetic inheritance, but instead some type of emotional behavior in which the daughter is imitating the mom.
Of course it is always the parents fault, right? What does this teach us as moms? We need to take better care of ourselves.
My mom was a stress and worry eater. I do the same. I am living proof of this study. It doesn't mean the trend has to continue. In fact, I am planning this week to start exercising and eating better.
I have always thought it was crazy to target kids with the realities of obesity. It is far fetched for them.
In fact, this study also researched obese adults and what they were like as kids. Eight out of 10 obese adults were not severely overweight as kids. Parents need to realize the habits they are teaching their children.
I used to work as a teacher at a school. It was about the time that children were being educated about being obese. The nation felt our kids were at crisis.
What did the school district do? It took out all vending machines on campus. The kids were no longer able to have chips, sodas, etc. at lunch.
I can't tell you how much my jaw dropped as kids would get off the bus with two-liters of orange soda and big bags of Hot Cheetos. How would fifth graders get these products? Their home, from their parents is where they got it.
A more beneficial approach would have been to bring the parents into the school and explain the dangers of childhood obesity. The community could partner with schools to offer neighborhood exercise incentives.
I love my daughter and I pray that I can stop the cycle. I hope she can live a long healthy life with me right along side her. If this study is not an incentive, I do not know what is!
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Hi Laura, great job sharing this information. Kudos to you for wanting to stop the cycle and doing something about it. I am not a stress and worry eater, but I find I eat a lot of junk food when I am happy. Niether is healthy. I hope many parents read this and begin to make a change. Our children watch everything we do. Blessings to you! Love you bunches, TThanks T! It means a lot to always have your support and encouragement!!
hi laura,the best thing a parent can do for thier children, is to be informed. you have manged that. now, it's time to put into practice what you have been informed of.if it was just us, we could do what we wanted, and suffer the consequences, but our children need role models that will help them handle stress without overeating, turning to drugs or alcohol, promiscuity, or violent behavior.i wish you luck on your life changes, and i admire your desire to make such changes,my best to you,sueThanks Sue!
Thanks for a great article Laura. Good luck on your quest for a healthier lifestyle. Be kind to yourself habits take time to change.Thanks for the advice and the comment James!
Hey Laura. What a task in this day when activities are on a computer and watching the TV is a national past time. I pulling for you to succeed! I will do what I can to make sure my grandson is active and healthy. Thanks for sharing your heart and soul.Thanks for the comment Lorrie! It means a lot!!
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