Mums the key to overcoming childhood obesity, says Dr. Dilip Dhupelia of WADA

Mothers is the key to stopping the state spiraling obesity crisis and should be the focus of the new Healthy Futures Commission of the state government, says the top physician of the state. Queensland. 75% less likely to have obese children.

Dilip Dhupelia, President of the Australian Medical Association of Queensland, warned against educating young mothers about nutrition and exercise is critical to improving the health of the next generation .

"Despite the cultural shift of a growing number of fathers doing their homework while moms go to work, mothers are still the critical decision makers as to what is bought at the supermarket, which is presented at the dinner table "Dhupelia said:" Provide information and education support to young mothers and new mothers, as influencers key in the dietary habits of their children, lead to good eating habits in children. "

Harvard University research published in the British Medical Journal examined 24,289 children ages nine to 14 years found that those with moms who were A healthy weight, exercised regularly, did not smoke, ate healthily and was light to moderate. Drinkers were less likely to have weight problems.

In Australia, a quarter of children are obese or overweight.

Dr. Dhupelia said, "We know that children can put undue pressure on" treats "and therefore influence what is ordered in restaurants and fast food outlets," he said. .

"If children have developed healthy eating habits at home, then treatment choices are also likely to be healthy."