Having younger siblings can lessen your kid's chance of being overweight

Image for representational purpose only

Zee Media Bureau/Sumit Channa

New Delhi: If pediatricians are to be trusted, having younger siblings could possibly reduce your child's risk of becoming obese. An elder sister or brother before pre-school reduces the obesity risk in kids to a considerable level.

A child who does not have a sibling is three times more likely to become overweight by the time he/she attains the age of 5 or 6. The birth of a sibling helps a kid to maintain a healthier body mass index.

However, it is still not vivid how the birth of a younger brother or sister can shape risk of obesity during childhood.

Pediatricians believe that kids tend to engage in more activities rather than remaining glued to the television screens once a sibling is born which inturn contributes to a healthier body.

It is also believed that parents change the way they feed their child once a new member comes in the family.