London: Women who juggle a career with family life are healthier and slimmer than stay-at-home housewives, a new UK study shows.
Experts followed 1,200 women from 15 to 54 age group in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health study, which showed that only 23 per cent of those with multiple roles were obese, in comparison with 38 per cent among the long-term homemakers.
Analysis of the information showed that the short-term stress of juggling roles is outweighed by long-term benefits, as findings revealed that by the age of 54, women who had been partners, parents and employees were significantly less likely to report ill health than women who did not fulfill all three roles.
Doctors also discovered that women who shun careers to remain as “homemakers” have a much higher risk of obesity.
The research showed that almost 40 per cent of long-term housewives are obese, compared to just over 20 per cent of married mums who work.
Research leader Dr Anne McMunn, of University College London, used data on women taking part in the Medical Research Council's National Study of Health and Development, which tracks the long-term health of British men and women born in 1946, and analysed their health aged 26 and 54-along with their jobs, marital status and number of children.
She said the good health of women who had lots of roles was a result of the way they lived.
"Being happy and fulfilled even if you’re rushed off your feet is the best health tonic of all," BBC quoted her as saying.
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