Brain Reward Gene Linked to Childhood Obesity

It turns out that a certain gene may not just be responsible for obesity and overeating in adults; it may also be linked to childhood obesity. Scientists have discovered that this gene could be responsible for tasty food choices in children, particularly for girls. The findings could help curtail the spread of childhood obesity in the future.

Contrary to "blaming" obese individuals for making poor food choices, the researchers suggest that obesity actually lies at the interface of three factors: genetic predispositions, environmental stress and emotional well-being. In order to test this particular theory, the researchers tested 150 four-year-old Maternal Adversity Vulnerability & Neurodevelopment (MAVEN) project children. These 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 Patricia Silveira, one of the researchers, in a news release. "This effect was especially important for girls who we found carried the genetic allele that decreases dopamine function."

What's interesting is the fact that obesity is a product of genetics, early development and circumstance. These findings could eventually lead to better treatments for children suffering from obesity and could also create targeted prevention methods.

"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," said Michael Meaney, one of the researchers, in a news release. "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."

The findings are published in the journal Appetite.