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07/02/2008
Childhood Obesity 'In Genes'
Childhood obesity has more to do with genes than lifestyle, a recent report has claimed.
The study of more than 5,000 pairs of twins aged eight to 11 showed that genes contributed 77% of the amount by which their body mass and waist circumference varied. Only 23% of the differences between the children was attributed to the home environment.
Study Leader Professor Jane Wardle, from University College London, said children born with the condition are destined to be overweight but have to work extra hard to stay slim.
She said: "In today's environment, which provides unprecedented opportunities for all children to over-eat and be sedentary, it is not surprising these tendencies result in weight gain."
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK's Director of Health Information, said parents of children who show early weight gain may need additional support to provide the best context for their children to grow up healthy.
She also added: "We know that obesity is an important risk factor for a number of cancers so it is important for us all to do what we can to reduce our risk of the disease by eating healthily and maintaining an active lifestyle to avoid being overweight or obese."
(GC)
The study of more than 5,000 pairs of twins aged eight to 11 showed that genes contributed 77% of the amount by which their body mass and waist circumference varied. Only 23% of the differences between the children was attributed to the home environment.
Study Leader Professor Jane Wardle, from University College London, said children born with the condition are destined to be overweight but have to work extra hard to stay slim.
She said: "In today's environment, which provides unprecedented opportunities for all children to over-eat and be sedentary, it is not surprising these tendencies result in weight gain."
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK's Director of Health Information, said parents of children who show early weight gain may need additional support to provide the best context for their children to grow up healthy.
She also added: "We know that obesity is an important risk factor for a number of cancers so it is important for us all to do what we can to reduce our risk of the disease by eating healthily and maintaining an active lifestyle to avoid being overweight or obese."
(GC)
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