Are you a picky eater? Blame genetics, study says

Are you a picky eater? Are you fussy about the food on your plate and only look for specific foods in your diet? Well, this can’t be a phase. A recent study led by Professor Claire Llewellyn of University College London suggests that the cause of fussy eating may be deeply rooted in a person’s genetics.

Often children prefer a small range of foods and are not ready to discover new foods – parents believe this is a temporary phase, but recent studies suggest that It may not be what it seems. According to studies, eating pickles is influenced by certain genes in the body.

Zeynep Nas, a researcher at University College London and lead author of the study, said in a media release that according to the study results, fussy eating is not a temporary phase — in fact it is an ongoing trajectory.

Also read: Understanding disordered eating habits of children: Expert shared information

Genetics or environmental factors: what influences fussy eating?

The study chose parents of twins to conduct the research – the twins were chosen to identify whether the habit of fussy eating is based on genes or environmental factors. The study was conducted on parents with identical and non-identical twins within the age range of 12 months to 13 years.

To understand the influence of genetics in fussy eating habits, researchers compared the similarity of eating habits in identical twins, who share 100 percent of their genes, and non-identical twins who share 50 percent of their genes. We do.

Also read: Is your child a picky person? what to do here

learning outcome:

It was observed that non-identical twins demonstrated different eating behavior than identical twins – further suggesting genetic influence. The influence of environmental factors such as number of friends on eating behavior became more prominent between the ages of seven and thirteen.

Can pickle eating habits be changed?

Although the genetic influence of fussy eating is huge, it does not mean that behavioral patterns cannot be changed for the better. Parents can include a variety of recipes and food items to influence eating habits – in the later stages, peer groups also play an important role in changing picky eating habits.

Also Read: Child Nutrition: Remember These 5 Important Healthy Eating Tips For Kids

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.