Stress has been known to make us age faster, gain fat (especially around the waistline) and lose our sex drive. Celebrity nutrition and fitness expert JJ Virgin, tells us that our stress can even make our kids gain weight!

A recent study of young children ages three to ten found children of mothers who were under stress were more likely to have overweight children.

Theories as to why ranged from reduced time spent with the child, comfort eating, to poor food choices and lack of cooking. The bottom line, however, is mom's stress creates stress for kids, and that stress raises blood sugar, increases fat storage, increases hunger and cravings and reduces motivation -- thereby increasing weight gain.

Sunday's "Desperate Housewives" featured totally stressed out Gabrielle, who is trying to get her overweight four-year-old to exercise. Check out the extreme measures that she takes!

Just something to keep in mind -- Calgon moments can help your kids too.