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GENETICS

There are genetic risks that have been established for childhood obesity, but fortunately, many environmental risks that can be influenced also exist. As far as genetics, maternal obesity more than doubles the chance for childhood obesity. While this also has assumes associated behavioral influences in these mothers, issues regarding insulin resistance, metabolism, etc. likely are inherited influences for developing childhood obesity. There have been three defined “at-risk” periods when a child seems most vulnerable for developing obese tendencies. These include the period during gestation and early infancy, during the ages of 5-7 years, and during adolescence. Regardless of genetics, interventions are powerful at reducing risks during these periods.