Considering the increasing rates of obesity among children in Europe, recently, the European research project Identification and prevention of dietary and lifestyle-induced health effects in children and infants (IDEFICS), was carried out. The main aim of this research was to study the dietary patterns of children, their lifestyle and obesity and its effects on them.

In all, 12,700 children, aged between two and nine years, were taken from eight European countries among which Sweden was also included.

As a result, the study found that all those children who don’t have a sibling at home are at a 50% higher risk of becoming obese or overweight.

As reported by the Nutrition and Diabetes, a questionnaire was set in which parents were asked about the eating habits of their children, their TV viewing habits and for how long they go out for playing games. All this information links to the BMI, body mass index, of children.

According to Monica Hunsberger, co-author of this study and researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, a very less number of children who are single at home, prefer playing outside home. They are generally found living maximum time in their bedrooms with TV and snacks on. As a result, they become overweight.