Parents’ unhealthy habits can rub off on their children, consigning them to an early death, according to Professor Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
This new claim could provide slimmers with the motivation to lose weight that they have been seeking.
Mr Field wrote in the Observer that adults should take more responsibility for their own health and lifestyle in order to prevent their children from developing heart disease and diabetes.
He went on to ask people not to take offence if their GP tells them to lose weight or stop smoking or drinking.
“You need to face facts and take responsibility but support is out there and together, we can help people live long, happy, fulfilling and healthy lives,” he concluded.
He praised campaigns that aim to promote a healthier lifestyle, such as the Big Bolton Health Check.
This was launched in 2008 and its main focus is reducing cardiovascular disease in the Bolton area.
Do you think you are a healthy role model to your kids?
i would like to think i am a healthy role model for my children. every evening we always sit at the table as a family and enjoy a home cooked meal, most of time with a range of vegetables. i also always make sure my children have at least one piece of fruit in there lunch boxes. i do definatley treat them at weekends – usually with a mcdonalds and sweets
I dont have any kids yet- but if and when I do I will almost certaingly going to be a good role model to my kids when it comes to their diet. Its always good to start early. Theres no harm in an odd treat here and there but plenty of vegetables and fruit will be the big one for me. also lots of exercise