Children whose parents lack warmth more likely to grow up obese, study finds

UK data shows authoritarian or neglectful parenting linked to higher weight in children and adolescents

Children whose parents lack warmth are more likely to grow up overweight or obese, according to the first study of its kind.

The effects of different parenting styles on children's weight have been determined for the first time - and suggest parental warmth is key to a healthy weight, researchers at the International Congress on Obesity in Melbourne, the biennial congress of the World Obesity Federation, will say on Wednesday.