Parental Obesity Can Be Inherited by Children, Research Finds

 

Parental Obesity Children

Parental Obesity: New Study Suggests Link Between Parents' and Children's Obesity

According to a new study, individuals concerned about becoming overweight in midlife should consider checking their family history to see if their parents, or even one of them, were overweight at the same age.


Increased Likelihood of Children Being Overweight

Media reports indicate that European Congress researchers presented a study showing that if either of an individual's parents was overweight at a specific age range, the chances of their children becoming overweight at the same age increase sixfold.


The research also found that just one parent being overweight triples the likelihood of children becoming overweight in their midlife.


Insight from Arctic University of Norway

Dr. Mari Mickelson, a member of a team of doctors and researchers at the University, commented on the findings, stating that they indicate a significant link between childhood obesity and parental weight during midlife.