A large UK study suggests that fussy eating in children is primarily due to genetics rather than parenting styles. Researchers compared the eating habits of identical and non-identical twins from 16 months to 13 years old, finding that identical twins, who share 100% of their genes, had more similar eating habits than non-identical twins. This indicates a strong genetic influence, which increases as children grow older.
Fussy eating tendencies often persist into early adolescence, with a peak around age seven. Genetics accounted for 60% of food fussiness at 16 months, rising to 74% between ages three and 13. While home environments play a role, especially in early childhood, external factors like friendships become more influential as children age.
Should parents worry less about picky eating if genetics play such a large role, or should they still focus on introducing a wide variety of foods early on?