Overweight Boys in Early Teen Years May Pass Epigenetic Risks to Future Offspring

Recent research highlights the potential long-term consequences of adolescent obesity, particularly in boys. A groundbreaking study published in Communications Biology indicates that boys who become overweight during early adolescence might negatively influence the genetic health of their future children. By analyzing the epigenetic profiles of 339 individuals aged 7 to 51, researchers identified significant changes in DNA methylation at over 2,000 sites in nearly 2,000 genes associated with fat cell formation and lipid metabolism. These epigenetic modifications were observed in the offspring of fathers who gained weight as teenagers, and were linked to increased risks of asthma, obesity, and reduced lung function in their children. The effects appeared more pronounced in female offspring, involving different genes than those in males. Experts suggest that puberty, particularly when boys start producing sperm, may be a critical window during which lifestyle factors such as obesity can lead to epigenetic alterations passed to future generations. Dr. Negusse Tadesse Kitaba emphasizes that early pubertal weight gain in boys influences DNA markers related to health conditions in their children, potentially increasing the likelihood of overweight status and related illnesses. Professor Cecilie Svanes and Prof. John Holloway warn that ongoing childhood obesity could have far-reaching implications, affecting not only current health but also perpetuating health inequalities across generations. This research underscores the importance of addressing obesity early in adolescence, not only for immediate health benefits but also for safeguarding the well-being of future generations.