A new study of obesity presented to the American Sociological Association has raised fascinating new insights into the problem. While some findings border on the blindingly obvious, others raised eyebrows at the prestigious academic gathering.

Ashley Fenzi Crossman studied 6,400 children aged 12-19 then contacted them again six years later. Her conclusions that any activity which doesn't involve lying on a couch helps ward off obesity is hardly earth-shattering but Crossman doesn't just advocate sport as a method of staying healthy. She says non-athletic activities like playing in school bands or finding a job helps prevent obesity in adulthood.

Unsurprisingly Crossman says parents who don't monitor their children's diets or ensure they eat breakfast are more likely to have kids who grow up overweight.

Breakfast is crucial. By boosting metabolism it may prevent binge eating later in the day when people feel hungry.

Where Crossman strays into controversy is in her claims over family life and economic status. She says household income has no effect on children's later risk of obesity. Though she reckons that children with high self-esteem and/or whose parents are well-educated are less likely to become obese.

The most unusual of her findings is that children who are close to their parents are more likely to grow up obese. Crossman suggests this may be because these children react badly to leaving home and overeat as compensation or that they model themselves on parents who have unhealthy lifestyles.

Ultimately her message is simple: 'Get off the couch.'

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