2024-11-13 09:40:00
Food selectivity begins at the age of 16 months and increases until the age of 7, before things normalize. evgeny atamanenko / JenkoAtaman – stock.adobe.com
Researchers followed 2,400 pairs of twins for more than ten years. Their conclusions will bring a sigh of relief to parents who feel guilty seeing their child push away their plate.
“He ate everything when he was a baby but now he refuses to taste anything he doesn’t know and always asks to eat the same thing.” All parents know: between the ages of 3 and 7, most children go through a period of more or less marked food rejection. How can this change in behavior be explained? Is it innate or acquired? To find out, a team of British researchers studied the eating habits of 2,400 pairs of twins born in 2007, from their 16 months until their thirteenth birthday. Their conclusion is clear: this phenomenon is largely under the influence of genetic factors.
Two types of twins were included in the study: monozygotes (same DNA) and dizygotes, who share only 50% of their genes (“fraternal twins”). In this way, scientists were able to distinguish the part of heredity from that of other factors. They discovered that the eating behavior of young people…
This article is reserved for subscribers. You have 86% left to discover.
Black Friday
-70% on digital subscription
Already subscribed? Log in
1731494609
#child #eat #legacy #evolution
**Interview with Dr. Lisa Montgomery, Child Nutrition Expert, on Food Selectivity in Young Children**
**Editor:** Good morning, Dr. Montgomery! Thank you for joining us today. We’ve just learned about some fascinating research regarding food selectivity in children. Can you tell us about the key findings?
**Dr. Montgomery:** Good morning! Yes, this study is quite significant. Researchers tracked 2,400 pairs of twins over more than a decade and found that food selectivity typically begins at around 16 months of age and can increase until about the age of 7. After that, children’s eating habits tend to normalize.
**Editor:** That’s interesting! What do you think this means for parents who may feel concerned or guilty about their child’s eating habits?
**Dr. Montgomery:** It’s really reassuring news for parents. Many worry when their little ones refuse certain foods, but this research suggests that such behavior is a normal developmental phase. It’s important for parents to realize that food selectivity is quite common and usually resolves over time.
**Editor:** So, what should parents keep in mind during this phase?
**Dr. Montgomery:** I recommend parents stay patient and continue to offer a variety of healthy options without pressure. Kids are often more likely to try new foods when they’re not forced or overly pressured to eat them. Creating a positive mealtime atmosphere can go a long way!
**Editor:** Great advice! Lastly, do you have any tips for encouraging healthier eating habits among selective eaters?
**Dr. Montgomery:** Absolutely! Involve children in meal preparation, offer foods in fun ways, and be a role model by eating a variety of foods yourself. Also, consistency is key—keep offering healthy choices, as it may take multiple exposures before a child is willing to try something new.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Montgomery! This research certainly brings a comforting perspective to many parents out there.
**Dr. Montgomery:** Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic.
