According to a study of more than 37,500 Canadian children, different parenting styles are associated with different BMI (Body Mass Index) results.

The results were presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology & Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity & Metabolism Scientific Sessions 2014, and reported in Science Daily,

“Parents should at least be aware of their parenting style,” said lead author of the study, Lisa Kakinami, PhD of Montreal’s McGill University. “If you’re treating your child with a balance of affection and limits – these are the kids who are least likely to be obese”.

Researchers looked at children aged 0-11, and used a cross-sectional survey to compare kids whose parents had an authoritative style (ie generally affectionate, had reasonable discussions about behavior and set healthy boundaries) with those whose parents had an authoritarian style (strict about limits, without much dialogue or affection.   

The authoritarian group had a 30 per cent higher chance of being obese, for those aged 2-5, and a 37 per cent higher chance among those aged 6-11.

The relationship between parenting and a range of physical health and well-being measures has been recognized for some time by Professor Matt Sanders, founder of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program.

Accordingly, Lifestyle Triple P has been developed to give parents positive parenting strategies to encourage healthy eating and activity patterns for children.

Read the Science Daily story here: http://old.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140319165200.htm

The research was originally reported via Eureka Alert here: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-03/aha-rwa031314.php

More information on Lifestyle Triple P is available here: http://www.triplep-parenting.net/glo-en/get-help/which-triple-p-is-right-for-me/