It was known that a poor diet and a lack of physical activity were aggravating factors of the overweight and obedience. The emotional relationship between mother and her youngest child could also play a role. Less well-known, this psychological factor was highlighted by a study from Ohio State University. Researchers have found that babies who have had a difficult emotional relationship with their mom are twice as likely to be obese as babies who have had a good relationship with their mom. mother. Researchers at the University of Ohio made this observation by observing 977 toddlers and their mothers.
The emotional bond that united mother and child during joint games was studied at the ages of 15, 24 and 36 months. The child’s body mass index (BMI) was measured when the child turned 15 years old. Study result: 26% of children who had not had a good relationship with their mom were obese, compared to 13% of children who had good relationships. This increase in cases of obesity observed in children less pampered by their mother would have its origin in the limbic system, area of the brain that controls emotions, hunger and stress. >> To read also: Overweight children: where does it start?
Children who are obese are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, colorectal cancer and osteoarthritis in adulthood. A “normal” growth of the child and the adolescent would therefore require a sufficient intake of calories, vitamins and the tenderness of a mother. >> To read also: Mother-daughter relationship, why is it so complicated?
The main author of the study is convinced of this and wants “the emotional ties between mothers and children” to be taken into account as much in the fight against obesity. Childhood than other risk factors such as sediment and poor eating habits. >> To read also: Obesity in children and adolescents