Having a brother or sister is apparently good for your health

If you grew up with at least one brother or sister, you know that there are both pros and cons. Sometimes it can be incredibly fun, at other times you drive each other completely crazy. Despite those less enjoyable moments, research has shown that having a brother or sister is really good for your health. They studied 395 families and compared families with one child to those with multiple children. This resulted in a number of surprising findings.

For example, people who grew up with a brother or sister are often slimmer. Other children have a higher chance of being overweight starting from grade 3. Whether this is because you play together more is not entirely clear. The researchers suspect it is because parents often adjust their eating habits when the second child arrives. Not only that, researchers also believe it is because brothers and sisters (unconsciously) encourage each other to eat healthier or to exercise together. The close bond ensures that you live longer. This is also related to the fact that a good relationship with your family reduces stress: you always have someone to talk to, someone who really knows you inside and out.

In this way, the bond with brothers or sisters also has a positive effect on your mental health. These people feel less lonely and insecure, and they also experience less guilt. And let's be honest: if you make your brother or sister happy, you also become a little happier yourself. So, forget all the little fights you had over Barbies whose hair mysteriously got trimmed. Instead, thank them for your good health and the fun times.

Source: Birmingham Young University