Children whose mothers work full-time while they are in the first few years of primary school are more likely to be obese when they reach 16 than those whose mothers stay home, says new research.
The findings, from academic research conducted by Bristol University's Centre for Market and Public Organisation, suggest there could be a link between working mothers and overweight children.
The effect could be the result of working mothers having less time to spend on preparing fresh meals, relying instead on ready-made alternatives, or that carers other than a mother put less emphasis on healthy food, according to the study.
Unsupervised children may also choose unhealthy food, and are more likely to opt to stay indoors playing on computers or watching television than take part in outdoor activities.
The research, by Stephanie von Hinke Kessler Scholder, comes after a US study concluding a link exists between maternal employment and childhood obesity. The latest study indicates that a mother working during her child's 'mid-childhood' - between five and seven - is particularly critical.
Working during those years does not have an immediate impact on children's weight. However, the effect emerges as they get older, according to the study published in the latest issue of Research in Public Policy.
It also found no evidence that having a mother who works either part-time or full-time either earlier than aged five or later than seven increases the likelihood of being obese at age 16.
Chidhood obesity has become an increasing problem in the UK in recent years. Obesity rates have risen from 10% for both girls and boys aged two to ten in 1995, to 15% and 13% respectively in 2003.
The rise in weight problems among children has coincided with significant increases in the number of women, including mothers, in paid work, the study says.
The findings do not confirm why maternal employment has such an effect in mid-childhood, but suggests the link could be that this period is when food preferences and habits become established.
