Researchers found that fussy eating behaviors often persist into early adolescence, building on previous research focused on toddlers. The UK study examined the eating habits of identical and non-identical twins from 16 months to 13 years old, allowing scientists to separate the influence of genetics from environmental factors.
Identical twins, who share all their genetic material, displayed far more similar eating patterns than non-identical twins, indicating a strong genetic role. However, researchers also emphasized that strategies such as offering a variety of foods during early childhood can still help expand a child's diet.
Professor Clare Llewellyn, the study's senior author from University College London (UCL), explained that children's differing levels of adventurousness with food are largely driven by genetic factors, not parental behavior. Lead author Dr. Zeynep Nas hopes these findings will reduce parental guilt, acknowledging that picky eating is a common issue but often a significant source of anxiety for parents.
The study involved food surveys completed by parents of 2,400 twins at ages 16 months, three, five, seven, and 13. It focused on food fussiness, defined as eating a limited variety of foods due to sensitivity to textures or tastes, or reluctance to try new items. Findings showed that fussy eating often peaks around age seven and can be strongly attributed to genetic factors, with genetics accounting for about 60% of the variation in fussiness at 16 months and increasing to 74% by adolescence.
While family mealtime habits influenced toddlers, external factors like peer influence became more significant as children grew older. Although the study did not specifically explore solutions for picky eating, other research suggests that offering a variety of foods consistently, even those previously rejected, and creating a calm eating environment can help.
Researchers also highlighted avoidant and restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), a recently recognized eating disorder that may present as extreme selectivity, differing from typical picky eating. Families dealing with ARFID may benefit from specialized support.
One parent shared their experience with ARFID, emphasizing that it differs greatly from ordinary fussiness. Despite incentives, their son wouldn’t touch certain foods, unlike their daughter, who could be persuaded. Another parent described the heartbreak of their child’s struggle with food, which led to a request for help.
This research, conducted by UCL, King’s College London, and the University of Leeds, was funded by the UK mental health charity MQ. The study mostly involved white British families of higher socioeconomic backgrounds, and future studies could explore other populations where food cultures and parental practices may differ.
