Introduction

A new study has found that children who do not have close emotional bonds with their mothers during childhood are significantly more likely to be obese as teenagers. The study, conducted at Ohio State University, examined the mother-child relationships of 977 kids born in 1991 and found that those who did not feel close to their mothers were more likely to be obese later on in life.

Explanation

Why is this the case? Researchers believe that it has to do with the fact that these children did not feel safe within their families. When children do not feel safe, they are more likely to turn to food as a way of coping. This can lead to emotional eating and, eventually, obesity.

In addition, these children may have also lacked role models when it came to healthy eating and exercise. If their mothers were not active and did not eat healthy foods, then the children would not have learned these habits either. As a result, they would be more likely to grow up to be overweight or obese.

Conclusion

This study provides yet another reason why it is so important for parents to have a close relationship with their children. Not only is it crucial for the child's emotional development, but it can also have a significant impact on their physical health. If you are a parent, take the time to nurture your relationship with your child and help them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Sources

Obesity in teenagers linked to lack of maternal bonding, Ohio State University study finds. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-06-obesity-teenagers-linked-lack-maternal.html

"The Relationship between Mothers' and Children's Emotional Bonding and Obesity in Early Adolescence." Pediatrics, vol. 131, no. 3, 2013: e837-e844. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/131/3/e837

"Children Who Don't Bond With Their Mothers Are More Likely To Be Obese." Huffington Post, 18 Dec. 2014. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/18/mother-child-emotional-bonding_n_6338272.html