A Brain Reward Gene Influences Food Choices in the First Years of Life

Research has shown that a certain gene in the brain's reward system can lead to overeating and obesity in adults. The very same gene has also been connected to childhood obesity, especially in females. Instead of blaming the obese about their bad food decisions, Dr. Patricia Silveira and Prof. Michael Meaney of McGill University and Dr. Robert Levitan of the University of Toronto suggest that genetic predispositions, environmental stress and emotional well-being should be taken into account. The journal Appetite sheds more lights on their study findings and talks about how some kids may be predisposed to obesity.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/11/26/a_brain_reward_gene_influences_food_choices_in_the_first_years_of_life.html