Grandparents may think they are being kind when they bring out the biscuit tin or serve up second helpings of a hearty home-cooked meal.
Chances are their grandchildren will also love them for the extra treats when they visit.
But spoiling the younger generation may not be doing them any good, according to academics.
Grandparents may be going a bit overboard, as children looked after by their grandparents were found to be more overweight.
A study of more than 15,000 children aged three found those most often looked after by their maternal grandmother were 20 per cent more likely to be on the chubby side.
An academic review of 56 studies suggests that when the older generation ‘demonstrate their love’ with goodies and extra portions, grandchildren’s health may be suffering.