Research shows dad, not mum, is the big risk factor for childhood obesity.

研究表明，爸爸（而不是妈妈）是儿童肥胖的首要风险因素。

A recent Australian study has found having an overweight father quadruples a child's chance of being overweight, even if they have a mother of normal weight.

澳大利亚最近的一项研究表明，在家里，即使妈妈的体重正常，只要爸爸超重，孩子超重的几率就会增加3倍。

Interestingly, the reverse scenario doesn't have the same result. So if the mother is overweight but the father is of normal weight, the child's risk of being overweight is not significantly raised.

有趣的是，如果情况相反，爸爸体重正常妈妈超重，就不会出现上面的结果，孩子超重的几率不会显著提高。

The study was undertaken by researchers at the University of Newcastle, who examined more than 3000 two-parent families over a four-year period. Researchers measured the children's change of weight from about four to five years of age to when they were eight or nine.

这项研究是由纽卡斯尔大学的研究人员进行的，他们对三千多个双亲家庭进行了为时四年多的研究。研究人员从孩子们在八岁或九岁时开始对孩子的体重进行测量，对他们的体重变化进行了四到五年的研究。

Dr Emily Freeman, a researcher with the University of Newcastle Family Action Centre, says while it is early days in terms of this type of research, the results of the study are very exciting.

艾米莉-弗里曼博士是纽卡斯尔大学家庭行动中心的研究人员，她说这种类型的研究现在还处于早期阶段，研究结果非常令人兴奋。

"It's really important we've found this link, because a lot of the research tends to focus on mothers and children," she says. "We've had lots of stories of dads refusing to eat vegetables, then the kids don't eat them either."

“我们发现了体重和爸爸之间的关系，这是非常重要的。因为很多研究更倾向于妈妈和孩子之间的关系，”她说。“我们有很多爸爸不吃蔬菜，孩子也不吃蔬菜的例子。”

She says further research is needed to understand the underlying reasons for the link.

她说，还需要进一步的研究来理清这种关系之间的潜在原因。

Making a change

作出改变

So what can fathers do to become better role models for their kids?

父亲该怎么做，才能更好地成为孩子们的榜样？

"They should definitely be more aware of the different behaviours they are modelling to their kids; they need to demonstrate they're eating fruit and vegies and get outside more," says Dr Freeman, who has been involved with Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids, an education program in the Hunter Valley in NSW, and has seen these actions bring encouraging results.

“他们应该清楚不同的行为对孩子的影响；他们需要告诉孩子们，他们吃水果和蔬菜。出去吃饭的时候也要点更多的水果和蔬菜。”弗里曼博士说，她参与了新南威尔士州猎人谷的一项教育计划——“健康爸爸、健康孩子” ，她发现这些行为确实带来了振奋人心的效果。

"It doesn't have to be formal organised sport activities – even kicking a football around or taking the kids to the park is fantastic. It's an opportunity for dads to spend more time with their children."

“并不非得是正式组织的体育活动——在周围踢踢球或带着孩子去公园都是不错的活动。这些都是爸爸和孩子享受亲子时光的好时机。

Easy tips for getting active with kids

和孩子一起活动的几个简单贴士

Plan a family day out at your local pool.

制定计划，找让一家人都去当地的游泳池玩。

On wet days, put on your gumboots and go out for a splash in the puddles.

下雨天，穿上雨靴，出去踩踩水。

Organise a family bike ride.

组织家人一起骑单车。

Involve kids in physical activities around the home, such as gardening or washing the car.

让孩子在家里进行一些体力活动，比如做园艺或洗车。

Walk to nearby shops together instead of driving.

一起走着去附近的商店，而不是开车去。

Fly a kite on windy days.

在有风的天气里放风筝。

Encourage organised sports. Watch kids compete and provide positive feedback.

鼓励有组织的体育活动。看孩子比赛并给出积极的反馈信息。