While there is evidence that genetics may play a role in obesity risk, it is important to remember that obesity is a complex condition that is influenced by a number of factors, including lifestyle, environment, and genetics. While some studies have found a link between maternal and daughter obesity, it is not solely due to maternal factors.
According to a new study published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, women with obesity may share the disease’s risk with their daughters but not with their sons.
Obesity is a common, serious, and expensive disease that affects nearly half of adults and 20% of children in the United States. Medical care costs are estimated to be $173 billion. Obese people are more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and a variety of other conditions.
These findings highlight that girls born to mothers who have obesity or have high amounts of body fat may be at higher risk of gaining excess body fat themselves.
Rebecca J. Moon
“These findings highlight that girls born to mothers who have obesity or have high amounts of body fat may be at higher risk of gaining excess body fat themselves,” said Rebecca J. Moon, B.M., Ph.D., M.R.C.P.C.H., of the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton in Southampton, U.K. “Further studies are needed to understand why this is happening, but our findings suggest that approaches to addressing body weight and composition should start very early in life, particularly in girls born to mothers with obesity and overweight.”
Obesity risk is undoubtedly genetic, and children may inherit certain genetic predispositions from their parents. However, inheriting obesity-related genes does not guarantee that an individual will become obese. Diet and physical activity are also important environmental factors in determining a person’s weight status.
The researchers measured body fat and muscle in 240 children (9 years old or younger) and their parents in early childhood. They used this data to determine whether the body mass index (BMI) – a screening tool for overweight and obesity – and the amount of body fat and muscle in the child was related to that of their parents.
They discovered that the girls had similar BMI and fat mass to their mothers, implying that girls born to obese or overweight mothers are at a high risk of developing obesity or overweight themselves. The researchers discovered no link between boys and their mothers, or between girls and their fathers.
When considering obesity risk and prevention, it is critical to take a holistic approach. While genetics can influence a person’s susceptibility to obesity, lifestyle choices and habits, such as diet and exercise, have a significant impact on weight management. Creating a healthy environment for the entire family, encouraging nutritious eating habits, and encouraging physical activity can all help to reduce the risk of obesity in both mothers and daughters.
