The dutch famine and its epigenetic effects on obesity in offspring of mothers.

As a doctor It's intriguing to observe the varied factors that influence our body weight and related health issues. The relationship of genetics, lifestyle, stress, life experiences and environmental factors, as explained through the lens of epigenetics, offers a fascinating perspective and one we should take heed of as this field develops.

While there isn't a single "obesity gene," the field of epigenetics provides a nuanced understanding of how environmental factors, particularly during critical periods of pregnancy, can- but not always- leave lasting imprints on our genes. The Dutch famine serves as a real example, illustrating how conditions during a mother’s pregnancy can influence the likelihood of obesity in later generations even if the mother is not obese. But nothing is absolute and these findings are of association- like many discoveries in medicine.

Nessa Carey’s book explains that Dutch women who did not have enough food during the first third of their pregnancy ( during a time of famine at the end of the second world war) turned out to have babies who were more likely to become obese later in life and this was transmitted to the children of their offspring. Although this scenario is unlikely to us in Western society today it does highlight the effects of maternal nutrition on ones offspring and even their grandchildren.

Nessa Carey who is a biologist with a varied background and an interest in epigenetics aptly delves into this intricate web of gene-environment interactions. The concept that our environment, encompassing everything from diet and air quality, to stress and lifestyle choices, can potentially shape the expression of our genes and, subsequently, impact our offspring, is enlightening.

The realisation that lifestyle choices, like smoking and dietary habits, can potentially echo through generations underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach to health. It's not merely about personal choices; it's about understanding the broader implications for future generations; for our children and grandchildren.

As doctors, delving into discussions about epigenetics with our patients can empower them to make informed choices. Acknowledging the multilayered nature of health and weight regulation helps build a personalised approach to well-being.

Placing more focus on embracing not only individual behaviours but also considering the broader environment and even the experiences of a person’s mother when pregnant with them. This can relieve many of the guilt of not being able to loose weight or reduce high blood pressure and often reduces the feeling of low self-worth.

In this evolving landscape of genetic and environmental interactions, the appreciation of epigenetics invites a proactive stance, emphasising that the choices we make today can ripple through generations, highlighting the importance of a collective effort by governments toward healthier living and a more supportive environment for all.

This means better food choices for children at school, cleaner air, more public transport and bicycle lanes to encourage physically mobile populations, and restoration of natural habitats that are disappearing.

Reference: Nessa Carey’s Epigenetics revolution. In this book, Nessa Carey describes how the world around us can potentially influence everything about the way our body works by changing your genetic material butt not the actual DNA.