Do you spend too much time sitting? Sedentary lifestyle has become the new norm. Whether it is the desk-bound jobs, screen-heavy routines, or a lack of time for exercise, physical inactivity is increasingly woven into our daily lives. But did you know that this sedentary lifestyle could not only affect you, but also your children? According to a recent study by São Paulo State University researchers, inactive parents could negatively affect their children. The findings of the study are published in the journal Sports Medicine and Health Science.
Inactive parents contribute to sedentary behaviour in their children
‘Children are the mirror of their parents’ may sound like a cliché, but it isn’t, especially when it comes to physical activity. The researchers at the São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil examined 182 young people between the ages of 6 and 17 and their respective parents. The activity of the participants was obtained from accelerometers, which accurately measure levels of activity and inactivity. The researchers found a direct association between adults’ levels of physical activity and their children’s sedentary behaviour. They found that children of inactive parents tend to be more sedentary. Similarly, when the parents maintain an active routine, their children usually follow suit. The researchers also observed that the burden of encouraging physical activity weighed more heavily on mothers. The influence of the mother was more than twice that of fathers. “The results indicate that parents’ level of physical activity can directly influence their children’s habits. In other words, when parents maintain a more active routine, their children are less likely to remain seated for long periods,” Diego Christofaro, a professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FCT-UNESP) at the Presidente Prudente campus and the lead author, said. How sedentary lifestyles in children pose a public health challengeThe researchers also noted that sedentary lifestyles during childhood and adolescence pose a significant public health challenge worldwide. About 11% to 38% of Brazilian children and adolescents are overweight, according to the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. Overweight is directly related to low levels of physical activity and increasing sedentary lifestyles among this age group.This study is the first to analyze the relationship between parents’ and children’s sedentary behaviour.“Sedentary habits are the result of multiple factors, such as lack of access, time, and places where physical activity can be practiced. However, our study shows that parents’ habits can affect their children’s health. Therefore, we believe that these results can support public policies and campaigns aimed at promoting a more active lifestyle in the family environment,” Christofaro said. Children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 are advised to engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, according to the Physical Activity Guide for the Brazilian Population. If you are a parent, it is crucial to quit the sedentary lifestyle, especially given that it has a significant impact, not just on your life, but on your future generations. Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.