A new study suggests that having a child may actually be detrimental to your health.
University of Minnesota researchers analyzed the dietary and exercise habits of young parents with kids under age five.
Mothers in particular had higher body mass indexes than women without children. They also reported drinking more sugar-sweetened drinks and eating more total calories and saturated fats, compared to young women without children.
Moms in the study also didn't exercise as often as women without children.
"Parents might be able to incorporate physical activity in their day with their kids rather than thinking they have to do that on their own," suggested researcher Jerica Berge, Ph.D.
"Go out and kick the ball together or walk to the park together and play together."
Researchers suggest that pediatricians may want to address these issues with parents when they bring their young children in for check-ups.
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The study is published online in the journal Pediatrics.
