Open AccessResearch Issues in Genetic Testing of Adolescents for Obesity
Author(s) -
Maurice S. Segal,
Pamela Sankar,
Danielle R. Reed
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
nutrition reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.958
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1753-4887
pISSN - 0029-6643
DOI - 10.1301/nr.2004.aug.307-320
Subject(s) - comprehension , obesity , genetic testing , affect (linguistics) , autonomy , psychology , test (biology) , public health , developmental psychology , meaning (existential) , medicine , biology , psychotherapist , political science , paleontology , philosophy , linguistics , nursing , communication , law
Obesity is often established in adolescence, and advances are being made in identifying its genetic underpinnings. We examine issues related to the eventual likelihood of genetic tests for obesity targeted to adolescents: family involvement; comprehension of the test's meaning; how knowledge of genetic status may affect psychological adaptation; minors' ability to control events; parental/child autonomy; ability to make informed medical decisions; self-esteem; unclear distinctions between early/late onset for this condition; and social stigmatization. The public health arena will be important in educating families about possible future genetic tests for obesity.