Children who learn self-control early and say no to temptations are less likely to suffer weight problems in their adulthoods, a new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics says.

As per the research, being able to avoid temptation for a minute help them have a lower body mass index (BMI) in the adulthoods 30 years later.

Researchers conducted a delay-of-gratification test on a group of 4-year-olds between 1968 and 1974. In the study, children were asked to wait to eat a treat, such as a marshmallow, which was placed in front of them. They were told that they would get a second treat if they waited.

Researcher studied those very participants, who are now in their 30s, and analyzed the BMI and compared that to their previous self-control capabilities.

The researchers concluded that each minute a child delayed gratification led to a 0.2-point decrease in adult BMI in their mid-30s.

Researcher Tanya Schlam, PhD, said, “Since our toxic food environment seems unlikely to change a lot in the near future, high self-control can help people resist overeating and stay at a healthy weight despite temptations.”

Lawrence Hammer, MD, said solution should starts at the family dinner table, and that children should not be bribed to eat their veggies at dinner.