Children of Overprotective Mums More Likely to be Obese

A new study shows that children of overprotective mothers are more likely to be overweight or obese.  

The study, conducted by researchers at the Telethon Kids Institute, show that most overprotective mothers have experienced socioeconomic disadvantage.

Obesity is chronic condition that can lead to an increase in risk of diabetes, heart problems and even some cancers.

Previous research has shown that parents who are too strict also have a higher risk of  having a child who will eventually be diagnosed with obesity.

"Rates of child obesity have increased over the last 30 years or so, and across the same time we've seen changes in levels of parent fear and the number of children who get driven to school, for example," Kirsten Hancock, lead author of the study, said in a news release. "But so far there hasn't been any research that demonstrates a direct relationship between protectiveness and child overweight and obesity."

The study was based on data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Around 2596 children were part of this cohort and were followed for every two years, from when the children were 4-5 years old to when they were 10 or 11 years of age.

Protectiveness Parenting Scale was used to gauge how proactive the mothers in the study were.

The study showed that mothers who had high scores on the test were 27 percent more likely to have overweight or obese children. Those who obtained moderate scores had 13 percent more odds of raising an obese/overweight child.

Researchers said that overprotective mum limit children's physical activity, which contributes to weight gain. Once the child reaches 10 or 11 years of age, parents must let children walk to school, play with friends and take part in sports, which helps them maintain a healthy weight.

The study is published in the journal PLOS One.