Childhood obesity rates ‘rise during summer holidays’

A new US study has offered evidence that children are more likely to experience unhealthy weight gain during summer holidays than they are during the school year.

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin examined body mass index and obesity prevalence data from 18,170 American children from the start of kindergarten in 2010 through to the end of second grade in 2013.

It was shown that all of the increases in excess weight gain and obesity prevalence occurred during the two summer holidays encompassed by the study period, rather than the three school years.

This suggests that the majority of risk factors affecting childhood obesity are to be found outside of schools, indicating that parents may have a bigger role to play in encouraging healthy behaviour in their children outside of school.

Paul von Hippel, an associate professor of public affairs at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, said: "We can't make a dent in this problem if we continue to focus on school food and physical education programmes that affect children only when they're at school."

With over 20 years of experience within the science market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current science roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.