A recent study by Dr. Renee Boynton-Jarrett of Boston University's School of Medicine reveals a newfound link between family abuse and childhood obesity.

In the study, Boynton-Jarrett and her team observed 1,595 children born between the years 1998 and 2000.  Most children were from unwed parents.  The mothers of the children were interviewed from the child's birth up until the age of 5.  Moreover, the children's height and weight were measured at age 3 and age 5.  The study ended when every child had reached the age of 5.  At this point, 49.4 percent of children had been exposed to family violence, and 16.5 percent were considered obese.  Boynton-Jarrett and her team concluded that children whose mothers suffered chronic domestic violence were 80 percent more likely to become obese by the age of 5. 

In addition to the possibility of obesity, if children do become obese they also have a greater chance of suffering from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses later in life.  Boynton-Jarrett stated, "It's always sobering to see the vast impact that adversities in early life can have on long term health outcomes". 

If you or someone you love has been a victim of domestic violence, contact the Raleigh domestic violence lawyers of Marshall & Taylor P.C. at 919-833-1040 to learn more about your rights.