Genetic risk of childhood obesity can be balanced by a healthy home

Researchers at the University College London have found that the genetic risk of obesity can be cut in half when children live in a healthy home environment. The study was designed to weigh both the genetic and environmental influences on weight gain in early childhood.

The investigation was focused on 925 pairs of fraternal and identical twins, who inherit similar obesity risks because they share DNA. The study revealed that the home environment affects how much influence obesity genes have on body mass index (BMI).  

Among children in homes with inadequate access to healthy food and more time spent watching TV, genetics contributed 86 percent of their obesity risk. On the other hand, in homes with more access to fruits and vegetables and more physical activity, genetics was responsible for only 39 percent of the obesity risk.

Overall, 508 pairs of twins were found to be living in “low-risk” environments that were classified as healthy, and 417 pairs of twins were found to be living in “high-risk” environments that were classified as less healthy.

In the high-risk home environments, identical twins had more similarity in BMI compared to fraternal twins, which indicated a genetic influence. In the low-risk home environments, however, both types of twins were similar in BMI.

According to the researchers, these results demonstrate that genes can actually be overridden by a healthy home environment.

“The finding supports a theory, developed by our group, that genetic susceptibility to obesity will be most highly expressed when individuals are living in a obesogenic environment that encourages excess consumption and low physical activity,” said study first author Dr. Stephanie Schrempft. “In other words: ‘the genetic background loads the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger.’”

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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer