Environmental vs. Genetics

In Jeffrey Heit’s article that I read titled, Child Obesity Genetics Issue, Heit talks about how genetics is the main reason that affects childhood obesity. The article talks about how a child’s genes come from both parents and that they cannot help what kind of genes that they get. The article talks about how if both parents are obese than more than likely their child will be obese. Obesity is considered to be a hereditary problem because in most cases children become obese because of their genetic makeup. “Genetic issues that can cause child obesity are defects in the chromosome or single gene. Such obesity is called monogenic obesity. Defects in the single genes like leptin, leptin receptor, and melanocortin four receptor which play a major role in the appetite regulation can lead to obesity at a very young age.” These defects can be passed onto the next generations. “Also the change in the genetic make up of the gut flora that plays a major role in the digestion process can cause child obesity” (Heit). “Because of the presence of the susceptible genes in the genetic make up of the child, these genes cover large areas of the chromatin and are passed on to the kids from their parents”(Heit). Heit goes on to say that even though there are no cures for genetic factors that causes obesity, the best solution is to try to prevent obesity by dieting, exercising, and having regular check ups. Heit closes his article by going on to say that obesity is something that cannot be helped by children because of genetic factors that they have received from their parents. Genetics might have a little to do with childhood obesity but most of the causes of obesity is environmental. Parents should be held responsible if their child is obese. Parents are the ones that are allowing their child to eat whatever they want and not be physically active. Video games, TV, and getting on the computer are today’s preferred pastimes. In fact, children spend more time in front of a TV

Cited: “Fat Kids: Are Parents To Blame?” Momlogic. 23 October 2008. 18 July 2010. http://www.momlogic.com/2008/10/are_parents_of_obese_children.php Heit, Jeffrey. “Child Obesity Genetics Issue.” Fast and Quick Weight Loss. 2009. 18 July 2010. http://www.fastandquickweightloss.com/child-obesity/child-obesity-genetics.htm