Research presented at the ADA’s 85th Scientific Sessions indicates that children's food preferences may have a genetic foundation. The study involving 516 non-Hispanic White children tracked dietary habits from ages 3 to 17, linking higher carbohydrate preference scores to increased consumption of fast food and sugary drinks. Specifically, a 13% higher likelihood of fast food consumption and a 15% higher likelihood of consuming sugary beverages were observed with each standard deviation increase in the carbohydrate preference score. Despite not finding significant links to BMI or insulin resistance at age 17, the study emphasizes the role of genetics in shaping childhood dietary behaviors.

Source: diabetes