A new study from “researchers at from American University in Washington, Cornell University in New York state and the University of Chicago studied data on more than 900 elementary- and middle-school-aged children in 10 US cities.”
The study finds a correlation to the amount of time mothers worked to their children’s BMI or Body Mass Index or how heavy or obese their children are.
The study also concluded that children whose mothers worked outside the home were more likely to be overweight or obese than children of mothers who worked at home.
We queried American Dietetic Association Spokesperson Jeannie Gazzaniga-Moloo, PhD, RD about the recent study and its impact on working mothers and their children nutritional needs.
In your opinion, does this study’s conclusion bring any new information that can be helpful to working mothers?
The study certainly is bringing attention to an issue that we've been discussing for some time. The study can be helpful in that it hopefully will cause some to pause and take a look at their children's diet and open further dialogue about how to manage healthy meals at home with limited time.
Do you think that the study was basically inconclusive as to reason for the rise in weight of children of working mothers/parents (outside the home)?
The study did find a gradual rise in weight of children whose mother's work outside the home. However, it did not explain the reasons why this occurs in some situations. Overweight and obesity have many factors at play.
Do you believe this study can be used to basically “blame” working mothers for their overweight children?
In no form should the findings of this study be used to blame working Mom's if their child is overweight. The study was designed to look only at correlations between certain factors related to mother's working outside the home and her child's weight, not if a mom working causes her children to be overweight.
Do you think this study is fairly accurate as to represent the lack of wholesome and or healthier foods in some lower income areas?
There are many studies documenting the existence of food deserts in low income areas. This study contributes to that scientific literature.
In your opinion what would be a better way for working mothers and or parents to make better choices available to their children?
Having low-calorie fruits and veggies available, cut up and ready to grab and go is a good start. Use the packaged precut produce if time is limited. When choosing processed foods of any kind, choose the lower fat, lower sodium options. When dining out use the online and nutrition information listed on menu items to guide your selection. Make menu selection a teaching moment with your children when dining out.
If you would like to see the study go to this link: http://www.american.edu/media/news/20110204-Childrens-BMI-May-Rise-Longer-Mothers-Work.cfm
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