Financially-deprived mothers who struggle provide food for their families likely to put themselves at risk for obesity while trying to feed their kids, according to sociologists.
Such mothers are more likely to be obese or overweight than fathers who face food shortages, as well as food-insecure, childless women and men, said Molly Martin, assistant professor of sociology and demography.
Malnutrition to Obesity - The Big Leap
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Over time, these mothers also gain more weight compared to all food-insecure men and food-insecure women not caring for children.
"We often forget that food insecurity is happening in a country as rich as ours," said Martin.
"Trying to protect children from food insecurity is not as rare as it once was, and it's been on the rise for the last two years, if not the last five years," she said.
![Tips to Control Obesity in Children]( "Tips to Control Obesity in Children")
Obesity is resistant to instant remedies and its management is a long-term endeavor. Here are a few tips to control obesity in children.
Mothers, who are often the food managers in the household, may take several actions to ensure that their children are fed, including skipping meals and eating cheaper, but less nutritious foods.
"To make sure mothers can provide for their children, they may eat only once a day, for example, or they may eat erratically, which are all behaviors that are obesity risks," said Adam Lippert, graduate student in sociology, who worked with Martin.
Irregular eating can also cause a metabolic response that retains fat, say researchers.
They examined data on 7,931 participants in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. The biennial study, which has collected information on health and income levels of Americans since 1968, began collecting data on weight and food insecurity in 1999.
Martin said policies could be improved to help mothers facing food shortages.
"What this study suggests is that the relative safety net could be improved.
"While food pantries and food stamps shore up family needs, a lot of families are still struggling to meet basic nutritional needs - vitamins, minerals and key nutrient," she said.
The findings were reported in the current issue of Social Science and Medicine.
Source: ANI
"Trying to protect children from food insecurity is not as rare as it once was, and it's been on the rise for the last two years, if not the last five years," she said.
Tips to Control Obesity in Children
Obesity is resistant to instant remedies and its management is a long-term endeavor. Here are a few tips to control obesity in children.
Advertisement
Mothers, who are often the food managers in the household, may take several actions to ensure that their children are fed, including skipping meals and eating cheaper, but less nutritious foods.
"To make sure mothers can provide for their children, they may eat only once a day, for example, or they may eat erratically, which are all behaviors that are obesity risks," said Adam Lippert, graduate student in sociology, who worked with Martin.
Irregular eating can also cause a metabolic response that retains fat, say researchers.
They examined data on 7,931 participants in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. The biennial study, which has collected information on health and income levels of Americans since 1968, began collecting data on weight and food insecurity in 1999.
Martin said policies could be improved to help mothers facing food shortages.
"What this study suggests is that the relative safety net could be improved.
"While food pantries and food stamps shore up family needs, a lot of families are still struggling to meet basic nutritional needs - vitamins, minerals and key nutrient," she said.
The findings were reported in the current issue of Social Science and Medicine.
Source: ANI
Quiz on Obesity
"We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are". - Adelle Davis There are thousands out there battling 'the bulge'. With childhood obesity on the rise even children are not spared. If your weight issues are threatening to weigh you down learn more about obesity by taking part in this quiz.
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 Home Remedies for ObesityHome remedies offer you a simple and natural method to treat obesity. Follow these simple home remedies to control your weight naturally. | Advertisement
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