Having a younger sibling is good for your health

They might seem like a pain, but having a younger sibling can be really good for you, study reveals.

According to a new study there could be real health benefits to having a younger brother or sister, including a lower risk of obesity.

A team at the University of Michigan found that the birth of a sibling between the ages of two and four was associated with a healthy BMI.

Senior study author Julie Lumeng told Metro UK: "Although we have very little information about how the birth of a sibling may shape obesity risk during childhood."

But the birth of a sibling might lead to more active play time and less time in front the computer or TV, the researchers added.

It has also been suggested that the introduction of another child changes the way parents feed their first child.

"If the birth of a sibling changes behaviours within a family in ways that protect against obesity, these may be patterns other families can try to create in their own homes," said Lumeng.

READ: See siblings recreate throwback photo with dad