Pet owners more likely to be fat

Posted on Jan 11th 2007 9:10AM by Jonathon Morgan

A recent Finish study has found that pet owners are often heavier and less active than their pet-free counterparts. While this certainly doesn't mean that pets make us fat, it does show a correlation between those who own pets and those with more sedentary lifestyles.

Oddly, even though some studies have suggested that pets are good for us -- lowering blood pressure, easing stress, and helping with loneliness -- this study finds that, not only are pet owners more likely to be overweight, but they're also more likely to view their overall health as poor.

These results are due largely to the fact that those with pets tend to be middle-aged, less-educated, and have more health-risk factors, but -- according to researchers -- regardless of your background, if you take the extra effort to play and walk your dog, it's more than possible to avoid the potential pitfalls of pet ownership.

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Tags: dogs, fat, finland, fitness, health, pets

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 9)

Tim UF 1-11-2007 @ 12:39PM

its the "ive got to stay near home to make sure the dog is ok" syndrome

Pet Lover 1-11-2007 @ 12:39PM

This is the most offensive article I have ever read. What on earth would someone be thinking to write such a load of crap. How dare you stereotype pet owners as uneducated people with poor health. Everyday I see hundreds of people walking their dogs. I'm sorry if you are a lazy, uneducated person with poor health that owns a pet. Maybe you should think about how much you actually know your pet, they don't enjoy laying around inside all the time, they need fresh air & exercise. So get off your lazy ass & walk your dog!

flax seed 1-11-2007 @ 12:39PM

thats a bummer, I just bought a cat and am already overweight :(

Bob 1-11-2007 @ 11:19PM

Geez! these theories get more and more bizarre. They take one small sector of the population i.e. Grandma and Grandpa with their 10 lb poodle and use it as an example of the entire population. I'll tell all those dog owners who breeze by me as I'm walking my dogs that they should go home and keep the couch warm.

Eccedustin 1-18-2007 @ 2:08PM

1. The study just says that pet owners are more likely to be overweight due to mostly being older sedentary people. It doesn't mean that all pet owners are like this or that pets make people fat. It's just a correlational study showing a population sample. Get it?

2.AOL (no suprise there) actually said that "Kids & Pets Can Feed Your Fat". Looks like AOL totally missed the point of the study. Again..No suprise there.

Shelly 1-18-2007 @ 2:18PM

I work from home so if it wasn't for my dog, I'd never make myself leave the house every day. We just got back from a fantastically freezing romp by the river----only because she guilted me into it. The author is clearly an idiot.

Robert Martine 1-18-2007 @ 2:30PM

If Jonathon Morgan can get this totally illogical "nonsense", I mean f h/s, printed, maybe I'll try getting some of my daydreams in print!

Jade 1-18-2007 @ 2:33PM

This article is absolutely ridiculous! Who comes up with this nonsensical baloney? I totally agree with 'PetLover's comment.

Robert Martine 1-18-2007 @ 2:43PM

If Jonathon Morgan can get this totally illogical piece of trash (f h/s) printed, maybe I'll try to get some of my daydreams in print. And of couse, this is not Finland!

CHERYL BATTISTA 1-18-2007 @ 2:34PM

I HAVE HAD UP TO 12 DOGS AT ONE TIME, RESCUED AND ADOPTED AND I AM VERY FAT. THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT...ESP. THE PUPPIES AS ANYONE KNOWS WHEN RUNNING TO GET THEM OUTDOORS FOR THE "POTTY". THIS IS JUST SOMEONE'S WAY TO GET GOVT. TAX MONEY FOR A STUDY OF HIS FRIENDS.

John 1-18-2007 @ 2:46PM

What crap!!! Actually, my dog forces me to go out with him daily for his walks. He's learn to pass gas which makes me get him out of the house to " clear the air ". I know, I know, there are still those dog butt sniffers around that just sit and smell but not me...

Lisa 1-18-2007 @ 2:51PM

This is one of the dumbest articles I read in a long time. It is totally untrue. I don't know where they get there statistics from. I own 3 dogs and am not only fit but also finished graduate school. Most of my friends own pets and are also educated & fit. I find this article very offensive.

blythe 1-19-2007 @ 1:38PM

ah, must be lost in translation from finish to english??

Cindy (CA) 1-18-2007 @ 3:05PM

I have a 19 pound (Garfield-like) Orange Tabby who climbs all over me until I share a nibble of my breakfast, lunch and dinner. If anything, Bastian's keeping me thin!!!

M.L.Moore 1-18-2007 @ 3:37PM

How dare you call pet owners uneducated. My husband and I were both professionals and we have 3 dogs and 2 cats.One child,seven grandchildern.

Little Guy 1-18-2007 @ 3:13PM

I own 10 dogs and 2 cats. I normally don't walk them because our yard is completely fenced in. I'm about 5ft 10in tall and weigh approx. 165lbs. I may not walk them but I do take them out in the yard and clean up their poop every day. Thats a-lot of poop and a-lot of walking. This artical is worthless trash.

Amy Schroll 1-18-2007 @ 3:41PM

Wow, even my cats like to get outdoors to play with me, walk, explore...it's not only dog owners who find extra exercise while playing outdoors with their pups...kitties like their freedom too! Correlation between pet owners and weight issues....? What next?

Cindy 1-18-2007 @ 3:16PM

People, seriously....this article offended you? Doesn't take much, does it? I own two dogs, I graduated college, etc., but I merely chuckled at the article's "scientific" aspect. I didn't have a tantrum about the results. Calm down already.

P. 1-18-2007 @ 3:09PM

This article is absolutely ridiculous. Do some research before you post such rubbish without giving alternative opinions.

Jennifer 1-18-2007 @ 3:13PM

This is absurd. I photograph pets for a living and have two pets of my own. I am in great shape! And the people who hire me are typically very high end clients....doctors, attorneys, etc. etc. Who in the world wrote this article. Perhaps they are projecting! ;-)