Pressuring a child to eat more broadly could have a negative affect on “fussy eating”, new research has shown.

Researcher at UniSA Dr Ann Kennedy-Behr says while the study hasn’t “cracked the code” they’ve gained some indicators.

“We’ve reviewed all the literature from the past ten years and we’ve found things that increase picky eating, and decrease picky eating,” she told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast.

“The things that increase it are; authoritarian parenting – so being super strict, (no) rewards for eating and pressuring a child to eat, and interestingly having the television on during meals.

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