RT Journal
A1 Young RP, Hopkins RJ
T1 Genetic risk in childhood obesity: Implications for clinical practice
JF JAMA Pediatrics
JO JAMA Pediatrics
YR 2013
FD February 1
VO 167
IS 2
SP 196
OP 198
DO 10.1001/2013.jamapediatrics.252
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/2013.jamapediatrics.252
AB 
First, given the steeply rising rates of obesity over the last few decades, it is clear that changes in lifestyle (ie, the environment) are “pivotal” to the development of obesity.1 While the genes underlying obesity have been present for centuries, it is their effect that has recently emerged in societies where “lifestyle” has dramatically changed. This means regardless of genetic predisposition, there need be no concern about “genetic determinism” in the public health community. Instead there should be enthusiasm for the potential to identify those at greatest risk for targeted and cost-effective interventions. This must be preferable to (over)generalized health messages that are inconsequential for the wider population. The best example of the success of the targeted approach comes from the enormous drop in death rates from coronary artery disease following several decades of cholesterol-lowering treatment (see later).