Domestic abuse causes childhood obesity

Children of abused young mothers are 80% more likely to be obese by age five, in comparison with children whose mothers are not abused.

The startling finding was revealed by researchers from the University of Boston. They examined thousands of mothers and daughters across 20 different cities, unveiling a firm link between abused mothers and obese children. This link holds true across all social and economic divides, the researchers say, and they took this factor into account when choosing their subjects.

Domestic violence affects millions

Domestic violence is a serious problem in the US, where approximately five million women are abused by their partners every year. This could be a serious barrier to the anti-childhood obesity efforts that the First Lady, Michelle Obama, is currently leading the charge with.

The causes of childhood obesity

Experts believe that early childhood obesity is caused by a range of factors. From the foods that children are fed, to whether their mother smoked during pregnancy and whether their mother is depressed. One quarter of children in America is either overweight or obese. Through exercise and a healthy diet, these children could be saved from ongoing obesity problems.

Yet because kids have a lack of healthy food options, and live a more sedentary lifestyle than their parents did, it can be extremely difficult for them to lose weight. Early obesity can lead to more serious obesity problems in later life.

Some research has even indicated that the obesity ‘tipping point’, that sets a child up for a lifetime of weight problems, could be as young as two. More research is needed into the impact that abuse of mothers can have on childhood obesity. Could campaigners against domestic abuse and those against childhood obesity team up, in light of this study?