Depressed mothers tend to have fatter kids -Study

A new study by the Children's Hospital at Montefiore showed that moms who reported moderate to severe depression are more likely to have an overweight or obese child.

"There is an emerging body of work that shows depression may not only impact a child's mental health, but their physical health," said Dr. Rachel Gross, the study’s lead author.

The study found that children of depressed moms were more likely to eat out, skip breakfasts, not eat meals with the rest of the family. They also have less time to sleep and play.

Gross urged sad moms to talk to their doctor or their child's pediatrician of their condition.

Overweight kids are more likely to be overweight adults, so two Bronx hospitals are working with the city and Shape Up NYC to offer free workouts in the borough.

Starting July 15, the Jacobi Medical Center and the North Central Bronx Hospital will offer the exercise sessions weekly.

"Obesity rates in the Bronx are among the highest in the nation and there is still much work to do," said William Walsh, vice president of North Bronx Healthcare Network.

Source: nydailynews.com