Maternal Genes Found to Have Stronger Influence on Child Obesity, New Study Reveals
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London, UK – June 6, 2024 – A groundbreaking study published today in PLOS Genetics reveals that a mother’s genetic makeup exerts a more significant influence on a child’s weight than that of the father, even beyond the genes directly inherited. Researchers at university College London (UCL) found that maternal genetics impact a child’s body Mass Index (BMI) not only through direct inheritance but also through shaping the habitat a child develops in – including factors during pregnancy and parenting practices. This finding underscores the importance of interventions focused on maternal health to combat the growing global obesity epidemic.
The Intergenerational Cycle of Obesity: A Deeper Dive
Obesity is a complex health issue driven by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.While it’s long been understood that children of obese parents are at higher risk of obesity themselves, the precise mechanisms behind this link have remained unclear. Genes influence appetite,metabolism,food preferences,and fat distribution,all contributing to weight regulation.
This new research, led by Liam wright, a researcher at UCL’s Institute of epidemiology & Health, sheds light on the nuanced role of genetics in this intergenerational cycle. The study analyzed genetic and health data from a cohort of 2,636 families participating in the Children of the 90s study (also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children – ALSPAC), based in Bristol, UK.This long-running study has been tracking the health and development of children born in the UK between 1991 and 1992, providing a uniquely rich dataset.
Researchers where able to differentiate between the genes children inherited from their parents and those that parents possessed but didn’t pass on.This allowed them to investigate “genetic nurture” – the indirect ways a parent’s genes can influence a child’s health, even without direct inheritance.
the analysis revealed that while a father’s influence on a child’s weight was largely tied to the genes he directly passed down, the mother’s impact was more complex. A mother’s genetic predisposition to a higher BMI appeared to influence her own weight, eating habits, and activity levels during pregnancy, creating an environment that could predispose her child to obesity.
“Mothers’ genetics appear to play an significant role in influencing her child’s weight over and above the child’s genetics,” Wright explained in a statement. “In addition to the genes mums directly pass on, our findings suggest that maternal genetics are instrumental in shaping the environment in which the child develops, therefore indirectly influencing the child’s BMI too.”
Beyond genetics: The Broader Context of Parental Influence
This study builds upon existing research highlighting the importance of paternal health in offspring obesity risk.A 2024 study published in nature Metabolism by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, led by dr. Romain Duriez, demonstrated that fathers who were overweight or obese at the time of conception had children wiht a significantly increased risk of obesity, possibly due to epigenetic changes in sperm.
The UCL study emphasizes that this isn’t about assigning blame to mothers. Instead, it highlights a critical opportunity for targeted interventions.
“This isn’t about blaming mothers, rather, supporting families to make a meaningful difference to children’s long-term health,” Wright stressed.
Implications for Public Health
The findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing maternal BMI, particularly before and during pregnancy, could have lasting positive effects on children’s health. This could include:
Preconception counseling: Providing guidance on healthy weight management for women planning to become pregnant. Prenatal care: Offering nutritional support and exercise programs for pregnant women.
Family-based interventions: Addressing the health of the entire family unit to promote healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
The rising rates of obesity worldwide pose a significant threat to public health, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.Understanding the complex interplay between genetics and environment is crucial for developing effective strategies to break the intergenerational cycle of obesity and improve the health of future generations.
Sources:
Wright,L. et al. (2024). Maternal genetic effects on offspring BMI are mediated through maternal BMI. PLOS Genetics. http://plos.io/4kQdk6y
Duriez, R.et al. (2024). Paternal obesity at conception is associated with offspring obesity through epigenetic alterations in sperm. Nature Metabolism*. [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41366-025-01792-8](https://www.nature.com
