Less Obesity for Some Older Siblings
Children who become big sisters or brothers before they enter first grade may be less likely to become obese. In a study of 697 children followed from birth, obesity rates by first grade were 8 percent among kids who were 9 to 36 months older than their siblings, versus 13 percent for those without new siblings. Even more striking, overall obesity rates were three times higher for first graders without younger siblings. Researchers aren’t sure why sibling status may be linked to obesity. Perhaps younger siblings keep older ones more active.
Source: Pediatrics, published online March 11, 2016