Convincing children to eat their food can be a challenge, often leading to tears and tantrums. However, parents can take comfort in new research revealing that picky eating is largely influenced by genetics, rather than parenting or environment.
A study conducted by researchers from University College London, King’s College London, and the University of Leeds found that food fussiness in children is “a largely genetic trait.” Factors like home food types and meal settings may only play a role when the child is a toddler. The study analyzed data from over 2,000 pairs of twins, both identical and non-identical, to assess the genetic versus environmental influences on picky eating.
Picky eating is largely due to genetics rather than the environment.
The research showed that non-identical twins were less similar in their picky eating behaviors than identical twins, confirming that genetics play a significant role in food reluctance. Interestingly, picky eating peaks around the age of 7 and may decrease slightly during adolescence.
Moritz Herle, one of the lead authors from King's College London, explained that the findings highlight how genetics influence picky eating, which may help alleviate some parental guilt. Co-author Zeynep Nas from UCL echoed this, noting that picky eating is not a result of poor parenting.
Though genetics play a key role, environmental factors in early childhood can also influence pickiness. Early interventions during the toddler years might help reduce food fussiness in the future.
