Why do some children become obese and others do not? A research conducted by the EarlyBird Diabetes Study shows that girls whose mothers are classified as clinically obese are significantly more likely to struggle with weight problems in childhood. The case is same with boys whose fathers are classified as clinically obese. The study also indicated the same trend does not exist between mothers and their sons and fathers and their daughters. According to the study behavioural rather than genetic factors could be the key to unravelling the causes of the current obesity epedimic affecting todays generation. In a way the study is saying childhood obesity cause are the parents.

The Study's Director, Professor Terry Wilkin said: 'Any genetic link between obese parents and their children would be indiscriminate of gender. The clearly defined gender-assortative pattern which our research has uncovered is an exciting one because it points towards behavioural factors at work in childhood obesity. These findings could turn our thinking on childhood obesity dramatically on its head. Money and resources have focussed on children over the past decade in the belief that obese children become obese adults, and that prevention of obesity in children will solve the problem in adulthood. EarlyBird's evidence supports the opposite hypothesis - that children are becoming obese due to the influence of their same-sex parents, and that we will need to focus on changing the behaviour of the adult if we want to combat obesity in the child.'

Bottom Line

If parents do not want their children to become obese or struggle from obesity, then they have to maintain a healthy weight. As per this study it becomes the responsibility of each parent to live a disciplined life, have healthy diets and do physical exercises. If they have plans to concieve and have children then it becomes necessary to ensure that this is followed.