Studying for a doctorate at the Australian National University, Tehzeeb Zulfiqar has found the children of mothers born in low- or middle-income countries are more likely to be overweight or obese than children whose mothers come from wealthier countries such as Australia.
She says diet alone is not to blame, with the children of the immigrants more likely to be less physically active.
Ms Zulfiqar says fear of racism or bullying is one of the factors for that.
She is calling for more targeted, culturally appropriate campaigns to encourage the children to be physically active.
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