Doctors in the UAE have expressed support for a recent study suggesting that picky eating in children is more genetically driven than influenced by parenting. The study was published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. With childhood obesity on the rise in the UAE, picky eating habits could be contributing to this issue. Research shows that about 28.2% of school-aged children and 34.7% of adolescents in the country are classified as overweight or obese. Medical professionals emphasize that this isn’t necessarily due to how parents raise their children or the rules they set regarding eating.
Dr. Yamen Fayez Elmughanni, a Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist at Burjeel Specialty Hospital in Sharjah, stated, “A significant study indicates that fussy eating tendencies are primarily genetic rather than a result of parenting styles. This tendency can persist into early teenage years. Genetic factors account for 60% of the variation in food fussiness at 16 months, increasing to 74% or more as children grow older.”
Healthcare experts also noted that being picky about certain foods could be a natural part of a child’s personality rather than a reflection of parenting. Dr. Osama Elsayed Rezk Elassy, Clinical Assistant Professor and Head of the Division at the Centre for Pediatrics and Neonatology, Thumbay University Hospital, commented, “Recent research suggests that fussy eating in children is more genetically linked than influenced by parenting. Some kids may naturally be more sensitive to tastes and textures, leading them to be picky eaters. This could be related to how their brain processes flavors or how their body reacts to different foods.”
“Moreover, if a child’s parents or siblings are picky eaters, the child might also be more inclined to dislike certain foods or be less willing to try new ones,” he added. However, when children are overly selective about their food, they may not get all the nutrients needed for healthy growth. This can lead to issues such as being underweight or not growing as tall as expected. In some cases, picky eaters can develop conditions like iron deficiency anemia, which occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron, causing children to feel tired and weak.
Healthcare professionals highlighted that the prevalence of picky eating or neophobia (fear of new things, including trying new foods) peaks around three years of age. “There is evidence that picky eaters have lower weight, height, and BMI compared to non-picky eaters. However, if disliked foods are replaced with more palatable but less healthy alternatives high in fat or sugar, picky eating could increase the risk of obesity,” said Mubasira Siddiqa Sameera, Clinical Dietitian at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah.
Some effective strategies parents can use include involving the child in the cooking process, such as letting them choose a vegetable for dinner or helping to make a colorful fruit salad. Health advocates stress that this can spark their interest in trying new foods. It’s also important to offer a variety of food options, creating a “colorful plate” with various fruits and vegetables to pique their curiosity. If these methods don’t work, seeking expert advice for alternative strategies and feeding practices to manage picky eating behavior is crucial.
Dr. Mamata Bothra, Specialist Pediatrician and Neonatologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, advised, “Parents should not be overly concerned unless picky eating leads to serious health issues like nutrient deficiencies or poor growth. They should collaborate with healthcare professionals, including dietitians, to ensure children meet their nutritional needs in creative and non-coercive ways.”
