A new study published recently reveals that children with divorced parents have higher levels of obesity. The results of the study are blamed on the stressors inherent in any divorce proceedings. For instance, custody battles, child support and property settlements are all things that stress out parents getting divorced.
This stress then trickles down to the kids. A local Minnesota judge, for instance, has pointed out the emotional toll a split has on kids and how that may affect their weight. The stress from a divorce can result in comfort eating or cravings for less healthy meals. In addition, kids going through a parental split may also receive less home-cooked meals and more processed foods, according to the study.
The results of the research add yet another negative consequence of a divorce. Despite the correlation with childhood obesity, divorce does not have to upend a child’s life. In fact, many children in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area are thriving despite having divorced parents.
While their own desire to succeed and their parents’ support deserves the credit, kids who thrive after a divorce are also exposed to less stressors. If parents are able to iron out a child support agreement and property settlement without prolonged court battles, kids stand a better chance of moving on.
Alternatively, if parents are forced to stress out about everyday expenses and the uncertainty of a judge’s gavel, kids may not be able to handle the strain. As a result, many local families look for help to get through the divorce and custody process.
Source: Liberty Voice, “Obesity May Be Higher in Children Whose Parents Divorce,” Tabitha Farrar, June 6, 2014