Many would often prefer to blame their genes rather than their behaviors for their obesity. However, there is an obvious role for both in the development of childhood obesity, as discussed by Manco and Dallapiccola (doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-2717), in this month's State of the Art Review. Interestingly, we learn that the genetics of pediatric obesity differs from that of adults because there are critical windows in postnatal development where the effects of the environment on the genes change. This topic is extremely pertinent and provides a framework for prevention and intervention strategies.
