Traditional childhood 'can keep kids trim'

London, Parents, please note - a traditional childhood is the best way to stop youngsters growing too fat, say researchers.

A new study by Ohio State University has revealed that family teatimes, early bedtimes, more play and less television help reduce childhood obesity.The researchers have based their findings on an analysis of 8,550 four-year-old children.

The study found that the subjects with parents who followed the old-fashioned lifestyle were more than 40 per cent less likely to be overweight. Even if children followed only one routine - eating evening meals as a family, early nights or limiting TV time - their weight was less of an issue.

Lead researcher Sarah Anderson was quoted by the'Daily Express' as saying,"The routines were protective even among groups that typically have a high risk for obesity."

This suggests the routines could help prevent obesity in all children.

The findings have been published in the online edition of the'Paediatrics' journal.