Family Lifestyle Linked to Obesity

Although genetics likely play a role in whether or not someone becomes overweight or obese, a family's lifestyle also has a major impact on the chances of a teenager developing a weight problem, a new study shows.

Adolescents tended to be heavier in families that frequently missed meals or spent several hours a day in front of the TV or playing video games, researchers report in the American Journal of Sociology.

"My study finds that weight runs in families, but it's not just because of genetics,” says study author Dr. Molly Martin, at Pennsylvania State University in University Park.

“What we do together, how we spend our time together, what we eat and how we organize ourselves as family matters," she says.

Currently, about 17 percent of American children and teens are overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Avoid Skipping Meals

For the new study, Dr. Martin included data from more than 2,500 pairs of twins, siblings, or half-siblings.

She examined numerous factors that could contribute to a teen's weight status, such as parental obesity, socioeconomic status, parental education levels, birth weight, and activity levels. 

Two non-genetic factors that emerged were whether or not families missed meals, and the amount of time they spent watching TV or playing video games.

"Not skipping meals seems to be the biggest factor that can help with regard to the weight of kids," says Dr. Martin.

There are multiple reasons that children miss or skip meals, she says. One is cost; the family may simply not have the resources for three square meals a day.

Another is hectic family lifestyle. The family could be missing a meal because they just don't have the time. Or, for some teens, they may be deliberately skipping meals in a misguided attempt to lose weight.

Whatever the reason, Dr. Martin notes that when you miss a meal, you will likely end up hungrier later which may result in overeating. 

"I think the importance of family meals is something that should be underscored," adds Dr. Andrea Vazzana, at the New York University Child Study Center.

"Kids that sit down with their family tend to have a more normal weight,” says Dr. Vazzana. “Parents can provide structure for the meal, and the meal tends to be more well-balanced. Parents can also set limits around food."

Dr. Vazzana adds that when parents eat with their kids they can educate them that it is not a good idea to have two helpings of dessert first and then forgo the vegetables.

Watch TV and Eat Separately

The second factor that Dr. Martin found to be a predictor of excess teen weight was how much time the family spent in front of the TV or playing video games. Those who spent a few hours daily on these activities tended to be heavier.

"Families develop patterns together," says Dr. Martin, but those patterns do not have to be bad ones. "Try to be active together. Go for a walk after dinner, play with the dog, play Frisbee. Spend quality time together that's also active time."

Dr. Vazzana says it is not just the displacement of activity that contributes to excess weight. People tend to eat while they are watching TV and are exposed to food ads or food focused shows.

"Sometimes it's really difficult to be healthy, and we may start adopting behaviors that really don't work well,” explains Dr. Martin. “But there are some things we can do consciously and even small changes can make a long-term difference in weight.”

Always consult your physician for more information.