The Effect of Parenthood on Health Lifestyles: A Longitudinal Analysis Using Data from the German Socio-Economic Panel

Abstract

Parenthood has been linked to changes in health-related behavior, though studies have reported mixed findings on whether these changes are beneficial or harmful. To date, most research has focused on associations between parenthood and individual health behaviors, while research on the association with overall health lifestyles is limited. This study investigates how health lifestyles change following the transition to parenthood based on longitudinal data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (Sozioökonomisches Panel, SOEP) from 2008 to 2019. A Health Lifestyle Index (HLI) was constructed including the health behaviors physical activity, diet, smoking, and sleep. We use longitudinal group trend regression models to account for unobserved heterogeneity between parents and childless individuals. A decline in the HLI following childbirth was found, with the largest reduction observed in physical activity. For women, the decline in HLI scores was more pronounced than for men. Over time, the decline in HLI levels stagnated and did not revert to pre-birth levels during the 5+ years post-birth observed in this study. These results indicate that the transition to parenthood is associated with a shift towards a less healthy lifestyle. Women were disproportionally affected, highlighting gendered inequalities in changes in health lifestyles following the transition to parenthood.