Children who carry a gene strongly associated with obesity may be able to minimize its effect by eating a diet with low energy density. That’s according to new research from University College London and the University of Bristol, published in the March 4, 2009 issue of PLoS One.
The study, based on data from a sample of 2275 children, suggests people might be able to avoid becoming obese even if they carry the FTO gene, which has been identified as a high-risk gene for obesity.
Dietary energy density (DED) refers to the amount of energy consumed per unit weight of food. A low dietary energy density can be achieved by preferentially eating water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, and limiting foods high in fat and sugar, including desserts and candy.
