In the past, it has always been thought that the healthy eating habits of parents would eventually rub off on their children, but in a recent study—described as “surprising”—it was found out that there’s a weak correlation between parents and their children’s eating habits.

The study, authored by Dr. Youfa Wang, found out that peer pressure and television viewing may have more influence on children’s eating habits than their parent’s. It was also found out in an experiment participated into by 1,061 fathers, 1,230 mothers and 1,700 children that the variation in children’s diet was explained by “factors other than the parent’s diet.”

Parental influence will only have more strength when parents actually spend more time with their children, making the children see the examples of good healthy eating habits. Parents also need to reinforce to their children why they chose to be health buffs rather than binge on other carb-inducing foods.

What is important is that parents be role models to their children if they want the latter to exercise a healthier lifestyle.