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Gender and genetic contributions to weight identity among adolescents and young adults in the U.S

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  • Wedow, Robbee
  • Briley, Daniel A.
  • Short, Susan E.
  • Boardman, Jason D.

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the possibility that genetic variation contributes to self-perceived weight status among adolescents and young adults in the U.S. Using samples of identical and fraternal twins across four waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) study, we calculate heritability estimates for objective body mass index (BMI) that are in line with previous estimates. We also show that perceived weight status is heritable (h2 ∼ 0.47) and most importantly that this trait continues to be heritable above and beyond objective BMI (h2 ∼ 0.25). We then demonstrate significant sex differences in the heritability of weight identity across the four waves of the study, where h2women = 0.39, 0.35, 0.40, and 0.50 for each wave, respectively, and h2men = 0.10, 0.10, 0.23, and 0.03. These results call for a deeper consideration of both identity and gender in genetics research.

Suggested Citation

  • Wedow, Robbee & Briley, Daniel A. & Short, Susan E. & Boardman, Jason D., 2016. "Gender and genetic contributions to weight identity among adolescents and young adults in the U.S," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 99-107.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:165:y:2016:i:c:p:99-107
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.07.044
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    References listed on IDEAS

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