Obesity Study Pushes Moderation

An Oklahoma State University study into the causes of childhood obesity has found that parenting style can influence a child's risk of obesity.

Saturday, July 19th 2008, 10:21 am

By: News On 6

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- An Oklahoma State University study into the causes of childhood obesity has found that parenting style can influence a child's risk of obesity.

Experts found that parents who are authoritative but not overly controlling do best at warding off obesity in their children. These parents monitor what their children eat and encourage and model healthy behavior.

The OSU study -- published in the July issue of the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" -- says parents who are too strict or too permissive don't fare as well

The study looked at family dynamics of 239 Oklahoma first-graders, who were weighed and interviewed several times during a year. Researchers wanted to learn why only 5% of childhood obesity interventions are effective.