Researchers from the University of Glasgow suggested grandparents could put children at greater risk of developing cancer in later life due to overindulgent ‘treating,’ overfeeding, and a lack of physical activity.
The review of 56 studies from 18 countries on the subject of care provided by grandparents who are not the primary carer of their grandchildren was published in journal PLOS ONE under the title ‘A systematic review of grandparents’ influence on grandchildren’s cancer risk factors’.
The studies reviewed showed grandparents described by parents as ‘indulgent’ and ‘misinformed’. Parents quoted in the studies suggested that grandparents used food as an emotional tool, with many feeding their grandchildren high-sugar or high-fat foods as treats.
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