Slapping, Shoving Kids may Raise Risk of Obesity, Arthritis

Kids who are slapped and hit are more likely to grow up with major health complications such as obesity, arthritis and cardiovascular diseases, according to a new study.

"This is one study that adds to a growing area of research that all has consistent findings that physical punishment is associated with negative mental and now physical (health) outcomes," said Tracie Afifi, at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada, lead author of the study, reported Reuters.

High levels of stress during childhood, especially from being beaten or insulted, can lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, asthma and cancer. Previous research from the journal Pediatrics, had shown that being punished as a kid can raise risk of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance abuse/dependence, and personality disorders later in life. APA says that physical punishment can lead to aggression and anti-social behavior. 

Also, another related study that was published recently had a different take on the subject. It said that an occasional beating is good for children as long as they know they are loved by their parents. Researchers in this study had said that parental love can offset the negative effects of physical punishments.

The present study was based on data on more than 34,000 adults in the U.S. The study participants were asked about their current health status and whether their parents/ adults had slapped or shoved them when they were children.

Researchers found that at least 1,300 people in the group said that they were physically punished during childhood, but weren't traumatized by the experience. These people were more likely to have at least one chronic health condition when compared with people who were never punished. The risk of obesity was about 31 percent for abused people while it was 26 percent for non-abused participants.

They were about 28 percent more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease and 25 percent more likely to suffer from arthritis, Reuters reported. The study is published in the journal Pediatrics.

Afifi said that not every child who is physically punished grows up with mental or physical problems. There are other factors that affect health such as sleeping pattern, level of stress hormones and immune system.

"The recommendation against physical punishment does not imply the avoidance of discipline," she told Reuters. "We're not saying, 'Just let your kid run wild.'"