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Fight Obesity: Eat a Family Meal Together

CBN

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The family that eats together, fights childhood obesity together, according a new study from researchers at the University of Minnesota.

The researchers found children are apparently less likely to gain extra weight and more likely to eat better if they were part of family meals that were enjoyable and relaxing.
    
Researchers collected data from families at the beginning and end of 10 years (1998-1999 to 2008-2009). The participants were racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse.

The families didn't always eat together every night but kids who ate in another part of the house, like in front of the TV, were more likely to be overweight.

"Family meals during adolescence were protective against the development of overweight and obesity in young adulthood. Professionals who work with adolescents and parents may want to strategize with them how to successfully carry out at least 1 to 2 family meals per week in order to protect adolescents from overweight or obesity in young adulthood," the study concluded.
    
Other research has also shown a link between frequent family meals and a lower rate of overweight kids.

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