News Release

Father's weight predicts daughter's weight gain in girls

Peer-Reviewed Publication

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

A number of studies have shown that genetic factors, apart from diet or lifestyle, strongly influence an individual's eventual weight. In a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Figueroa-Colon and colleagues found that the fathers' percent body fat predicted the pattern of weight gain in their daughters. At the start of the study, the girls were from 4.8 to 8.9 years of age. Taken into consideration were the girls' age and percent body fat, energy expenditure while awake and asleep, as well as the percent body fat of each parent. A statistical analysis revealed that only the weight of the fathers correlated with the weight gain of the girls.

The researchers chose pre-pubescence because it is a time period of relatively stable growth and potential for obesity development. The 47 girls were seen at a clinical research center in Birmingham, Alabama three times over a period of 2.7 years. At the commencement of the study, each girl's parents' total body fat and percentage body fat measurements were taken for later comparison with the daughter's weight gain patterns. On each visit, total energy expenditure was measured over a 24-hour period in a self-contained indirect calorimetric chamber, and total body fat and percentage body fat were determined by X-ray absorptiometry. In follow-up visits the only significant variables for change in percentage body fat were the father's total body fat and percentage body fat. All other variables, such as the mother's weight or the girl's total energy expenditure, seemed to have no effect on the pattern of her weight gain.

This study provides additional evidence of the importance of familial and genetic components in predicting obesity. The authors suggest that further longitudinal studies which continue from childhood and throughout puberty will add to our knowledge of the genetic influences on long-term weight gain patterns.

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Figueroa-Colon, R et al. Paternal body fat is a longitudinal predictor of changes in body fat in premenarcheal girls. Am J Clin Nutr 2000; 71:829-834.

For more information contact: Dr. R. Figueroa-Colon at rfiguero@usnotes.bms.com

This media release is provided by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, to provide current information on nutrition-related research. This information should not be construed as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, consult your doctor.


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