Traditional childhood ‘can keep kids trim’

The researchers have based their findings on an analysis of 8,550 four-year-old children.

The study found that the subjects with parents who followed the old-fashioned lifestyle were more than 40 per cent less likely to be overweight.

Even if children followed only one routine – eating evening meals as a family,early nights or limiting TV time — their weight was less of an issue.

Lead researcher Sarah Anderson was quoted by the ‘Daily Express’ as saying,”The routines were protective even among groups that typically have a high risk for obesity.”

This suggests the routines could help prevent obesity in all children.

The findings have been published in the online edition of the ‘Paediatrics’ journal.