Teens whose mothers worked when their children were ages five to seven years old are more likely to be fat, according to a study from Bristol University in Great Britain.

If mothers work during their children's "mid-childhood" or ages five to seven years, their children have increased risk of obesity by age 16. The study found no similar link between mothers who worked when their children were under five or over seven and teenage obesity.

The authors of the study theorized that ages five to seven years are critical time in a child's life for learning healthy food choices.

A recent American study found a link between maternal employment and childhood obesity.

Labels: influences, studies, working_mothers