There has been an increasing body of evidence lately about the benefits of family meals. In general, children who often eat dinner with their families also eat less fast food, drink less pop, and make healthier food choices when they're not with their families. Also, girls who regularly eat dinner with their families are less likely to develop eating disorders.

Researchers are generally unsure exactly how family meals provide all these benefits, [Sarah] Woodruff says. It could be that eating with their families rather than in secret discourages eating disorder behaviours [sic], or that there is a 'carry-over effect' that helps kids make healthier food choices with their friends because of what they learn at home, she says, but no one really knows."
[Source: The Star Phoenix]

Researchers are also puzzled by the fact that positive effects of family dinners seem to be limited almost exclusively to girls. However, many pediatric health experts have long advocated on behalf of increased family involvement as a way of preventing a wide range of dangerous teen behaviors.

Labels: eating disorders, girls, prevention, family meals

Posted By: Aspen/CRC