(Press-News.org) Contact information: Cynthia Lee
cynthia.lee@mcgill.ca
514-398-6754
McGill University
A brain reward gene influences food choices in the first years of life
Study links genetic predisposition to childhood obesity
Research has suggested that a particular gene in the brain's reward system contributes to overeating and obesity in adults. This same variant has now been linked to childhood obesity and tasty food choices, particularly for girls, according to a new study by Dr. Patricia Silveira and Prof. Michael Meaney of McGill University and Dr. Robert Levitan of the University of Toronto.
Contrary to "blaming" obese individuals for making poor food choices, Meaney and his team suggest that obesity lies at the interface of three factors: genetic predispositions, environmental stress and emotional well-being. These findings, published in the journal, Appetite, shed light on why some children may be predisposed to obesity, and could mark a critical step towards prevention and treatment.
"In broad terms, we are finding that obesity is a product of genetics, early development and circumstance", says Meaney, who is also Associate Director of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Centre.
The work is part of the MAVAN (Maternal Adversity Vulnerability & Neurodevelopment) project, headed by Meaney and Hélène Gaudreau, Project Coordinator. Their team studied pregnant women, some of whom suffered from depression or lived in poverty, and followed their children from birth until the age of ten.
For the study, researchers tested 150 four-year old MAVAN children by administering a snack test meal. The children were faced with healthy and non-healthy food choices. Mothers also completed a questionnaire to address their child's normal food consumption and preferences. "We found that a variation in a gene that regulates the activity of dopamine, a major neurotransmitter that regulates the individual's response to tasty food, predicted the amount of 'comfort' foods -- highly palatable foods such as ice cream, candy or calorie-laden snacks -- selected and eaten by the children", said Dr. Silveira. "This effect was especially important for girls who we found carried the genetic allele that decreases dopamine function."
"Most importantly, the amount of comfort food eaten during the snack test in the four- year-olds predicted the body weight of the girls at six years of age," says Meaney, "Our research indicates that genetics and emotional well-being combine to drive consumption of foods that promote obesity. The next step is to identify vulnerable children, as there may be ways for prevention and counseling in early obesity stages".
INFORMATION:
A brain reward gene influences food choices in the first years of life
Study links genetic predisposition to childhood obesity
2013-11-26
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Women living with HIV share their stories through photography
2013-11-26
Women living with HIV share their stories through photography
Taking pictures empowers women to realize their strengths and move beyond their illness, MU researcher finds
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Having human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, ...
Scientists offer recommendations for delaying resistance to Bt corn in western corn rootworm
2013-11-26
Scientists offer recommendations for delaying resistance to Bt corn in western corn rootworm
Corn that contains proteins that protect it from insect damage has been grown in the U.S. since the mid-1990s. Known as Bt corn, because the proteins are derived ...
Treatment target identified for a public health risk parasite
2013-11-26
Treatment target identified for a public health risk parasite
This news release is available in French.
Montreal, November 26, 2013 – In the developing world, Cryptosporidium parvum has long been the scourge of freshwater. A decade ...
Genetics contribute to increased risk for end-stage renal disease for African Americans with CKD
2013-11-26
Genetics contribute to increased risk for end-stage renal disease for African Americans with CKD
WASHINGTON (Nov. 26, 2013) – In the United States, African Americans have approximately twice the risk of end-stage renal disease compared to white Americans, despite ...
NASA satellite tracks Tropical Cyclone Lehar moving toward India
2013-11-26
NASA satellite tracks Tropical Cyclone Lehar moving toward India
Tropical cyclone Lehar, located in the Bay of Bengal, continues to gain intensity while heading toward the same area of India where a much weaker tropical cyclone Helen recently came ashore. NASA's TRMM ...
NASA sees Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alessia's remnants trying to reorganize
2013-11-26
NASA sees Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alessia's remnants trying to reorganize
After making landfall near Darwin on Nov. 24, the remnants of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alessia worked its way over to Australia's Northern Territory where it was seen from NASA's Aqua satellite. Aqua ...
New tales told by old infections
2013-11-26
New tales told by old infections
Retroviruses are important pathogens capable of crossing species barriers to infect new hosts, but knowledge of their evolutionary history is limited. By mapping endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), retroviruses whose genes have become ...
Hands off -- please
2013-11-26
Hands off -- please
Friendly information signs reduce vandalism on scientific equipment
This news release is available in German.
Behavioural biologists conducting research in the field often depend on state-of-the-art techniques. Consequently, ...
Brain imaging differences in infants at genetic risk for Alzheimer's
2013-11-26
Brain imaging differences in infants at genetic risk for Alzheimer's
PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Researchers from Brown University and Banner Alzheimer's Institute have found that infants who carry a gene associated with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease ...
Using microRNA fit to a T (cell)
2013-11-26
Using microRNA fit to a T (cell)
Researchers show B cells can deliver potentially therapeutic bits of modified RNA
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have successfully targeted T lymphocytes – which play a central ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Toxic metals linked to impaired growth in infants in Guatemala
Being consistently physically active in adulthood linked to 30–40% lower risk of death
Nerve pain drug gabapentin linked to increased dementia, cognitive impairment risks
Children’s social care involvement common to nearly third of UK mums who died during perinatal period
‘Support, not judgement’: Study explores links between children’s social care involvement and maternal deaths
Ethnic minority and poorer children more likely to die in intensive care
Major progress in fertility preservation after treatment for cancer of the lymphatic system
Fewer complications after additional ultrasound in pregnant women who feel less fetal movement
Environmental impact of common pesticides seriously underestimated
The Milky Way could be teeming with more satellite galaxies than previously thought
New study reveals surprising reproductive secrets of a cricket-hunting parasitoid fly
Media Tip Sheet: Symposia at ESA2025
NSF CAREER Award will power UVA engineer’s research to improve drug purification
Tiny parasitoid flies show how early-life competition shapes adult success
New coating for glass promises energy-saving windows
Green spaces boost children’s cognitive skills and strengthen family well-being
Ancient trees dying faster than expected in Eastern Oregon
Study findings help hone precision of proven CVD risk tool
Most patients with advanced melanoma who received pre-surgical immunotherapy remain alive and disease free four years later
Introducing BioEmu: A generative AI Model that enables high-speed and accurate prediction of protein structural ensembles
Replacing mutated microglia with healthy microglia halts progression of genetic neurological disease in mice and humans
New research shows how tropical plants manage rival insect tenants by giving them separate ‘flats’
Condo-style living helps keep the peace inside these ant plants
Climate change action could dramatically limit rising UK heatwave deaths
Annual heat-related deaths projected to increase significantly due to climate and population change
Researchers discover new way cells protect themselves from damage
Rivers choose their path based on erosion — a discovery that could transform flood planning and restoration
New discovery reveals dopamine operates with surgical precision, not as a broad signal
New AI tool gives a helping hand to x ray diagnosis
New Leicester study reveals hidden heart risks in women with Type 2 Diabetes
[Press-News.org] A brain reward gene influences food choices in the first years of lifeStudy links genetic predisposition to childhood obesity