Dads Can Make The Difference
Newcastle Herald
Thursday August 14, 2008
DADS' diets could be the key to beating the bulge among Hunter children.
An Australian study has revealed children are more likely to copy their father's eating and exercise habits as opposed to their mother's.This has prompted the launch of a world-first study at the University of Newcastle yesterday called Healthy Dads Healthy Kids.With a startling 70 per cent of Hunter men and 30 per cent of Hunter children classed as overweight or obese, the study aims to help fathers shed excess weight and promote healthy eating habits for the whole family."It will help dads lose the kilos, but it will also help them become a role model for their families," university lead researcher and associate professor Philip Morgan said.As he exercised with daughter Zoe yesterday, Dr Morgan said children learnt through observation, putting them at the whim of their parents."If you serve it on the table and eat it, they'll eat it," Dr Morgan said.The study involves eight sessions at the university, weight monitoring, questionnaires over six months and doesn't rob fathers of all treats."The program will teach dads how to lose weight and still enjoy the occasional beer," Dr Morgan said.Fathers aged 21-60 with a child aged 5-12 who would like to participate can call 4921 6158.
© 2008 Newcastle Herald