Is childhood obesity genetic?

Weight management, epigenetics, and childhood obesity. In this conversation, Dr. Evan P Nadler discusses the complexities of childhood obesity, emphasizing that it is a disease influenced by genetics, maternal health, and lifestyle factors. He highlights the importance of understanding the role of epigenetics and the in utero environment in the development of obesity. The discussion also covers the myths surrounding childhood obesity, the impact of genetics versus lifestyle choices, and the potential benefits of genetic testing. Dr. Nadler advocates for a comprehensive approach to treatment, including lifestyle changes and medical interventions, while encouraging parents to seek help and to not feel shame about looking for answers.

Key Takeaways:

• Obesity is a disease, not a lifestyle choice.
• Genetics and epigenetics play significant roles in obesity
• Genetic predisposition can influence lifestyle choices.
• Genetic testing can help identify risks for obesity.
• Weight loss challenges may have genetic underpinnings.
• Food addiction and cravings are influenced by biology.
• The treatment landscape for obesity is evolving rapidly.

Evan P. Nadler MD served as Co-Director of the Children’s National Obesity Programs and Director of the Child and Adolescent Weight Loss Surgery Program at Children’s National Hospital from 2009 until 2023. He was also a tenured Associate Professor of Surgery, and Pediatrics, at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences and continues there as an Adjunct Associate Professor. Before moving to Washington DC, he was the Director of Minimally Invasive Pediatric Surgery at the New York University School of Medicine where he participated in US Food and Drug Administration-approved studies using laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in adolescents with obesity. His current pursuits include pediatric obesity treatment program development as a Founder of ProCare Telehealth, authoring a book on obesity, and educating the public about obesity via his YouTube channel, website, and media appearances. Dr. Nadler is an international leader in the field of child and adolescent obesity, has authored multiple publications and textbook chapters on the topic of pediatric bariatric surgery, and was one of the founding members of the Childhood Obesity Committee of the American Pediatric Surgery Association. 

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Here are more resources related to today’s topic:

• Dr. Nadler’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@obesityexplained
• American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Obesity
• NPR Article about the AAP Guideline and concerns about the guideline
• Testing for rare genetic causes of obesity: findings and experiences from a pediatric weight management program from Nature
• Diagnostic yield of genetic testing for non-syndromic early-onset obesity in a multidisciplinary pediatric obesity clinic- abstract from Genetics in Medicine

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Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

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