It may seem ironic, but many low-income mothers may put themselves at risk of obesity – eating cheaper, less-nutritious fat-boosting foods – in order to feed their children healthy meals, a new Penn State study found.
The researchers, writing in the journal Social Science and Medicine, found mothers who struggle to provide adequate food for their families are more likely to be obese or overweight than fathers or childless couples. Moms, who often control household meal planning, may take several actions to ensure that their children are fed – such as skipping meals and eating cheaper, but less nutritious foods that may contribute to obesity.
The study, led by Penn State sociologist Molly Martin, is based on an analysis of health and income information provided by 7,931 Americans.
"People tend to look down on poor parents when the evidence suggests that not only are they doing their best, but some of the very things they are doing to protect their kids are actually making it worse on themselves," said Martin.
"To make sure mothers can provide for their children, they may eat only once a day, for example, or they may eat erratically, which are all behaviors that are obesity risks," said Adam Lippert, a researcher who worked with Martin.
The study was partly funded by the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development.