Food Genetics Behavior Study

A genetic risk for obesity does not always translate to the development of obesity among children, which points to the presence of risk-modifying factors that likely relate to energy balance behaviors as key behavioral drivers. Using an integrated approach to comprehensively examine the interplay between genotype and phenotype, this study will systematically assess the extent to which energy balance behaviors, alone or in combination, in conjunction with family-level influences can modify behavioral and genetic predispositions to childhood obesity in a high-risk sample of predominantly minority children from low-resource backgrounds. Identifying protective factors that may mitigate the impact of obesity risk on weight and adiposity outcomes is critical for moving the prevention of childhood obesity into a new direction.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy children * Children ages 5-7 years * Children with BMI equal to or greater 5th percentile * Mother must be children's biological mother and primary caregiver * Mother must be able to read and understand English Exclusion Criteria: * Children with serious medical conditions or medication use known to affect food intake, body weight, physical activity, or sleep * Children with developmental and/or psychiatric conditions that may impact study compliance * Children with food allergies related to study foods or lactose intolerance * Children with low preference for study foods