You might not have put the two together but according to a news release by the American Heart Association, how strict you are can affect your child's weight. Are you rigid with rules and light on affection? (authoritarian style) You could be increasing their chances towards obesity. Children 2-5 years old who had Authoritarian Parents had a 30% higher chance of obesity Children 6-11 years old who had authoritarian parents had a 37% higher chance of obesity Nourish Thought for the Day: Parents, you are the biggest influence on your child's well-being in more ways than we realize.