Evidence for a strong genetic influence on childhood adiposity despite the force of the obesogenic environment

Genetic influences on BMI and abdominal adiposity are high in children born since the onset of the pediatric obesity epidemic, and most of the genetic effect on abdomen adiposity is common to BMI, but 40% is attributable to independent genetic influences.

Abstract

Genetic influences on BMI and abdominal adiposity are high in children born since the onset of the pediatric obesity epidemic. Most of the genetic effect on abdominal adiposity is common to BMI, but 40% is attributable to independent genetic influences. Environmental effects are small and are divided approximately equally between shared and non-shared effects. Targeting the family may be vital for obesity prevention in the earliest years, but longer-term weight control will require a combination of individual engagement and society-wide efforts to modify the environment, especially for children at high genetic risk.