Pushing kids to eat may cause obesity later

Researchers at the University of Minnesota, combining data from two research studies, found that parents who restricted foods (a common practice) were more likely to have overweight or obese children. Researcher Katie Loth, the study's lead author, says, “Parental pressure to eat can be detrimental to children because it takes away from a child's ability

Researchers at the University of Minnesota, combining data from two research studies, found that parents who restricted foods (a common practice) were more likely to have overweight or obese children. Researcher Katie Loth, the study's lead author, says, “Parental pressure to eat can be detrimental to children because it takes away from a child's ability to respond naturally to their own hunger. Instead, (it) encourages them to respond to cues in their environment which can lead to unhealthy weight gain over time… Research has shown that when a parent places a restriction on a particular food item (i.e. no treats) that a child becomes more interested in consuming that food item and will often overeat that food when given the opportunity… Instead, parents should be encouraged to allow their children to eat all foods in moderation.”

CNN, 4/22/2013

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