Study Reveals Link Between Teenage Obesity in Fathers and Increased Health Risks in Future Generations

Study Reveals Link Between Teenage Obesity in Fathers and Increased Health Risks in Future Generations

(IN BRIEF) A study from the University of Southampton and the University of Bergen reveals that boys who become overweight during their early teens may inadvertently affect the health of their future children. The research found epigenetic changes in genes linked to obesity, asthma, and lung function, which were more pronounced in female children. This study highlights the long-term health impacts of adolescent obesity and its potential to contribute to health disparities across generations.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOUTHAMPTON, 28-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A groundbreaking new study reveals that boys who become overweight during their early teens may inadvertently affect the health of their future children. The research, published in Nature Communications Biology, is the first to identify the biological mechanism through which adolescent obesity in fathers impacts the health of their offspring. The study suggests that early teenage obesity could increase the risk of asthma, obesity, and reduced lung function in future generations.

Researchers from the University of Southampton and the University of Bergen in Norway conducted an investigation into the epigenetic profiles of 339 individuals, aged 7 to 51. The study analyzed how changes in body composition during adolescence, particularly those related to weight gain, affected the DNA of their children. Self-reported body image was used as an indicator of body fat composition.

The researchers identified epigenetic changes in more than 2,000 sites across 1,962 genes related to adipogenesis (fat cell formation) and lipid metabolism in the children of fathers who had gained weight during their teenage years. These changes in DNA packaging (known as methylation) regulate gene expression, influencing the likelihood of developing asthma, obesity, and impaired lung function. Notably, the effects were more pronounced in female children than male children, with different sets of genes being impacted.

Dr. Negusse Tadesse Kitaba, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton and lead author of the study, commented: “Our findings suggest that being overweight during puberty significantly affects DNA in offspring, particularly genes related to weight regulation. This shows that early puberty is a critical window where lifestyle factors can drive epigenetic changes that affect future generations.”

Professor Cecilie Svanes from the University of Bergen added: “These findings have profound public health implications. They highlight the importance of addressing obesity in young teenagers to prevent health issues in future generations, potentially exacerbating health inequalities for decades.”

Professor John Holloway, from the University of Southampton and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, stated: “The rising prevalence of childhood obesity is a global concern. Our study underscores that the impact of obesity is not only a current health issue but one that could affect generations to come.”

The study, titled Father’s Adolescent Body Silhouette is Associated with Offspring Asthma, Lung Function, and BMI Through DNA Methylation, is published in Communications Biology and is available online. The research was funded by the Norwegian Research Council.

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SOURCE: University of Southampton