Study: Moms are fatter, exercise less and eat more unhealthy foods

8:43 AM 04/22/2011

Laura Donovan

It’s unfortunate, but true: parenting may be hazardous to your health, at least according to new research that shows that mothers consume more calories and get less physical activity than women with no kids.

In the latest knock against parenthood, researchers from the University of Minnesota looked at 838 women and 682 men and concluded that having children — particularly for moms — is linked to an array of negative outcomes. Mothers had a higher body-mass index and didn’t eat as healthily as childless women, chugging more sugary drinks and eating more total calories and saturated fat.

Full story: Study: Moms are fatter, exercise less and eat more unhealthy foods

Tags: Parenting, University of Minnesota, Weight

Drahcir

Bonnie Rochman,
Please do not insult the ladies.Out of the four listing here, I think they are all Preeetttyyy.If you haven’t had any children then you have no idea what is beautiful.When I was young i wanted a skinny loverly lady; and all phases in between then and now.
Taxpayer

Being a mom might be hazardous to my health–but it’s done wonders for my spirit.
clw

I had WAY less free time to exercise while my kids were growing up, as compared to now, when I can easily exercise 50 minutes a day while I watch the news (uninterrupted!)

As far as moms eating far more calories than women without children… MOST of those women are cooking for only one or two. When you cook for a family you tend to make casseroles, and also provide salads and breads and sides along WITH your meals.

Also, families have leftovers! There were many times when instead of eating something like a piece of fruit for lunch, I’d think “well someone has to eat these leftovers”. Better that than throwing it in the garbage.

I was “fluffier” and now I’m thin. I like myself either way. It’s just more fun to shop when you’re thinner. I really don’t care what other people think anyway. LOL! (I also don’t buy into alot of these “studies”)
eekmystery

I’ll trade my few extra pounds for the joys of our wonderful two daughters and five grandchildren. It’s called making a small sacrifice for one of life’s greatest joys…
RosiesSeeingRed

No kidding! Really? It took a study to find out people who don’t have kids have more time for exercise?

Too bad information about the significantly-higher breast cancer rate among women who have never been pregnant or nursed a baby isn’t included in this article. As “health hazards” go, I’ll take my chances with the higher body-mass index, thank you very much.