Genetic research reveals that children born to parents who were obese at 17 have a higher likelihood of being obese at the same age, with daughters more affected than sons, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Another study by the University of Cambridge identified over 1,000 genetic variants influencing the age of puberty in girls, with some genes accelerating weight gain in childhood, potentially leading to health issues like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Early puberty, associated with increased disease risks, has been linked to genetic factors affecting weight gain, emphasizing the importance of addressing early puberty risks for long-term health benefits.