Study labels Santa an unhealthy role model

2009-12-18 20:29:53 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Health & Fitness, News)

A new study suggests the lifestyle of Santa Claus may be unhealthy for children.

A new study suggests the beloved holiday figure is a negative role model for children.

Australia (WiredPRNews.com) – A recent study accuses Santa Claus of having a negative influence on the health of children. As reported by AFP, the Australian study suggests the legendary holiday figure promotes an unhealthy lifestyle that includes poor eating habits and drinking while driving, with his current image.

The study is quoted by AFP as stating, “Epidemiologically there is a correlation between countries that venerate Santa Claus and those that have high levels of childhood obesity” and there “is a possibility that Santa promotes a message that obesity is synonymous with cheerfulness and joviality.”

The research recommends a change in diet for Santa and is further quoted as stating, “Santa might also be encouraged to adopt a more active method to deliver toys — swapping his reindeer for a bike or simply walking or jogging.”

More information about the study conducted by researchers from Monash University in Australia may be available in the British Medical Journal.

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