Having children is good for you

BECOMING a parent is good for your health, according to new research. A study of 2,000 British parents shows 63 per cent of them believe they adopted a healthier lifestyle following the birth of a child.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Aug 2011, 12:48 BST

Just over half claim the added responsibility of a new-born was the kick-start they needed to pay more attention to their own well-being.

As such, 46 per cent of new mums and dads do more exercise since having a child than they did before, and 65 per cent pay closer attention to what they are eating.

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A resounding 85 per cent of parents said they were aware it was important to set a good example for their children to follow. While 29 per cent of those polled say they began to overhaul their health and fitness the minute they discovered they were going to become a parent, 14 per cent addressed the situation when the baby was born.

Tina Clare at Engage Mutual, which commissioned the study, said: “The research suggests that having children can be the trigger for many adults to take their health and fitness more seriously.”

The study shows around one in three parents who introduced a healthier regime after having a child did so because they wanted to be around to see their child grow up; or didn’t want their child to be overweight.

A similar number said they made changes due to needing more energy to keep up with the family, and 24 per cent said they simply didn’t have time to go out partying anymore.

When it comes to mealtimes, 36 per cent paid more attention to their own diet after starting to cook healthy meals for their offspring.