Picky eaters? Blame their genes

New research from King’s College London in collaboration with UCL and University of Leeds suggests that food fussiness is largely genetic. For parents struggling with picky eaters, this research offers some relief, confirming that genes play a bigger role than previously thought.

Lead author of the study, Zeynep Nas said he hoped the findings may help to alleviate parental blame. “Picky eating behaviour is not a result of parenting.”

The study analysed over 2,000 identical and non-identical twins’ eating habits from toddlerhood to early adolescence. Researchers found that genetic characteristics account for up to 74% of the variation in food fussiness between the ages of three and 13[1][4]. At 16 months, approximately 60% of the variation in food fussiness was due to genetic differences. However, researchers still advise giving children plenty of opportunities to try new foods, as early exposure can help even the pickiest eaters develop tolerance over time.