Your DNA may increase your risk of gaining weight, but healthy habits such as regular exercise and a balanced diet remain your best defense against obesity. A major international study found that genetics, more than shared family lifestyles, explains why children often have body types similar to their parents.
Published in PLOS Medicine, the study analyzed data from 86,000 children born between 1999 and 2009. Researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of Queensland examined how genes, home environments, and pregnancy influence body weight.
The researchers found that a baby뭩 birth weight is more closely linked to the mother뭩 body mass index (BMI) than the father뭩. This suggests the environment in the womb plays an important role before birth.
As children grow older, however, genetics becomes a much stronger influence. By age 8, genes explained 79% of the link between children뭩 weight and their mothers� weight, and 94% of the connection with their fathers.
Even so, researchers stress that genes are not your destiny. Regular physical activity, healthy eating, and a supportive, low-stress home can reduce the effects of inherited risk and lower the chances of developing obesity.
J.K. Park Senior Reporter junior/1785987400/1613368089
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Your DNA may increase your risk of gaining weight, but healthy habits such as regular exercise and a balanced diet remain your best defense against obesity. A major international study found that genetics, more than shared family lifestyles, explains why children often have body types similar to their parents.
