May 15th, 2006 at 8:45 am
Moms who go out to work are healthier and slimmer than stay-at-home housewives, say researchers.
Women who shun careers to remain as “homemakers” have a much higher risk of obesity, doctors discovered.
By the age of 54 women who have been housewives for all or most of their lives are most likely to say their health is poor.
But women who have been wives, mothers and employees are much less likely to suffer ill health or be fatties.
The research showed that almost 40 per cent of long-term housewives are obese — compared to just over 20 per cent of married moms who work.
Research leader Dr Anne McMunn, of University College London, tracked women born in 1946 and analysed their health aged 26 and 54 — along with their jobs, marital status and number of children.
She said the good health of women who had lots of roles was a result of the way they lived.
Sun GP Dr Carol Cooper last night said she was not surprised that working mums were fitter and slimmer.
She added: “Being happy and fulfilled — even if you’re rushed off your feet — is the best health tonic of all.”
"At last we working moms can stop feeling guilty", writes Jacqui Thornton, wife and mother.
We are healthier than stay-at-home moms and very smugly slimmer!
For years we have been made to feel bad about nurseries or childminders looking after our kids while we work.
But this research shows our choice is better for our children. If we are healthy, we can look after them better.
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