Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 July 2010
Pregnant Women's Obesity Levels Rising
The health of babies is being put at risk because obesity levels among pregnant women have reached 'epidemic' levels, health experts are warning.
Pregnant Women's Obesity Levels Rising
The health of babies is being put at risk because obesity levels among pregnant women have reached 'epidemic' levels, health experts are warning.
09 January 2006
Obese people 'unaware' of health risks
More than a quarter of obese and overweight people do not want to lose weight, a new survey has claimed. The study, conducted by Cancer Research UK, also suggested that many more were unaware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Obese people 'unaware' of health risks
More than a quarter of obese and overweight people do not want to lose weight, a new survey has claimed. The study, conducted by Cancer Research UK, also suggested that many more were unaware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
15 March 2006
Vegetarian diet 'keeps weight low'
Meat-eaters who switch to vegetarianism gain less weight than people who make no changes to their diet, a new study has suggested. Scientists from Cancer Research UK studied the eating habits of 22,000 meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans of all ages over five years and compared weight gains in all the categories.
Vegetarian diet 'keeps weight low'
Meat-eaters who switch to vegetarianism gain less weight than people who make no changes to their diet, a new study has suggested. Scientists from Cancer Research UK studied the eating habits of 22,000 meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans of all ages over five years and compared weight gains in all the categories.
08 October 2003
Parents must help in reducing child obesity, says report
Parents are being enlisted as the first line of defence against obesity in children after a report today revealed that nearly 10% of Britain's six-year-olds are overweight.
Parents must help in reducing child obesity, says report
Parents are being enlisted as the first line of defence against obesity in children after a report today revealed that nearly 10% of Britain's six-year-olds are overweight.
04 September 2008
Obesity Plan Presented
Leading Scottish medical professionals have put forward a five point plan to tackle the growing problem of obesity. In advance of a debate on obesity in the Scottish Parliament today, BMA Scotland has called on politicians to take action on childhood obesity.
Obesity Plan Presented
Leading Scottish medical professionals have put forward a five point plan to tackle the growing problem of obesity. In advance of a debate on obesity in the Scottish Parliament today, BMA Scotland has called on politicians to take action on childhood obesity.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
