Twin research: on the origin of healthy food consumption and physical activity
A Consortium of international twin studies
A Consortium of international twin studies
Why is it important to study the origin of healthy eating and physical activity?
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The Consortium
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The association between diet and physical activity and most chronic diseases is now clear. However, a large proportion of the population still does not meet the recommendations for healthy diet and physical activity.
Environmental and genetic factors together may play an important role in influencing people's food choice and level of physical activity. Indeed, several twin studies have shown an association, but the details are lacking. Moreover, the knowledge regarding the genes effectively responsible is even scarcer. Pooling the world data on diet and physical activity in twins will help clarifying the "real" genetic and environmental influences on healthy behaviours, leading to the development of effective personalised interventions for lifestyle change and the promotion of population’s health. |
12 twin registries, including populations from several European and Asian nations, United States and Australia, have shown interest in this Consortium.
With a total of -at least- 37,838 twin pairs (75,676 individuals), the Twin Research Consortium would be the largest ever conducted on food consumption and physical activity. |