Importance of keeping the kids healthy

One of the major strengths of the research was a new model of obesity-programmed mice that allowed weight loss success to be tracked at different stages and ages by flipping a genetic switch that controls hunger. Turning on the switch right after weaning prevented the mice from overeating and ever becoming obese. Similarly, mice that remained at a healthy weight into young adulthood by strict dieting alone were able to maintain normal weight without dieting after turning on the switch. However, chronically overfed mice with the earliest onset of obesity never completely returned to normal weight after flipping the switch, despite marked reduction in food intake and increased activity. -University of Michigan Health System

This is one of my parental fears. I was overweight for a while in my late teens, and it took a lot of work to get healthy. I couldn't imagine trying to do that in a body that is programmed to stay at a heavier weight.

The little guy eats super healthy, and has excellent weight, so I shouldn't worry. But never a bad thing to remain vigilant, and to remember that I'm a role model for him. I should eat better.