Having little brothers or sisters would keep the weight stable and Body Mass Index (BMI) normal (between 18.5 to 25), depending on the results of a study published in the medical journal Pediatrics. This link would be even more marked when the age difference between the children is less than 4 years.
Researchers from the University of Michigan (United States) followed 697 children and highlighted their family situation (number of siblings, age difference) and BMI.
Reduce children’s sedentary lifestyle
“This is the first study of its kind to follow the evolution of the BMI of children who have become big brother or big sister”, welcomes Dr Julie Lumeng, pediatrician and co-author of the study, quoted by the daily Metronews .
As a reminder, theBMI of an adult is calculated by dividing the weight (in kilos) by the height (in meters) squared. It is normal when it is between 18.5 and 25. Between 25 and 29, people are overweight and from 30, obese.
The findings of the study showed that children who are older and share their lives with a sibling have a healthier weight than only children.
This family situation perhaps promotes play and therefore children’s activity and limits a sedentary lifestyle. Because, if it is not possible for all families to become large, it is essential that physical activity be present for children. Indeed, given the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle (chronic diseases, diabetes, obesity), the World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes of exercise per day for children aged 5 to 17 and at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week for adults.
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