Understanding Genetic Health Risks in Children
Every child enters this world unaware of the genetic predispositions they carry for various diseases. This innocence extends to their parents, who often remain ignorant of the specific genetic risks they have passed down, inherited from their own ancestors. Awareness of these inherited factors is crucial for proactive health management. Here, we explore five significant diseases with strong genetic components that parents should be mindful of in their children.
1) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition increasingly associated with modern childhood. While not all children meet the clinical criteria for diagnosis, sub-clinical traits are widespread among a substantial percentage. ADHD is characterized by a high genetic heritability, estimated at 70-80%. Typically diagnosed between the ages of 7 and 11, this timeframe offers parents an opportunity to conduct genetic tests and implement preventive strategies early on.
2) Obesity
Obesity, whether it manifests in childhood or adulthood, has a genetic component as high as 70%. Its impact is severe, acting not only as an independent risk factor but also elevating the likelihood of developing other lifestyle-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and organ failures. Globally, childhood obesity prevalence reaches approximately 20% in the 5 to 19 age group, presenting a critical window for parental intervention through genetic screening and lifestyle adjustments.
3) High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Diseases
Hypertension is often a silent condition in children, similar to adults, while acute cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes are rare in younger age groups. However, cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, are not uncommon, with studies indicating a prevalence as high as 35%. The genetic influence is significant, with a heritability rate of 60%. As late teenagers face higher risks, parents have ample time to pursue genetic testing and take preventive measures.
4) Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, once termed adult-onset diabetes, is now increasingly diagnosed in younger populations due to lifestyle factors. Approximately 12% of teenagers are now found to have prediabetes or diabetes. The genetic heritability for type 2 diabetes is substantial at 70%. The puberty years, particularly ages 13 to 16, are most susceptible due to hormonal changes that induce insulin resistance, yet this period also provides a chance for parents to act through early detection and intervention.
5) Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are rising concerns among today's children and teenagers, mirroring trends seen with ADHD. Globally, anxiety affects about 20% of young people, while depression impacts 25%. The genetic component for both conditions exceeds 50%, with some severe variants showing heritability as high as 70%. These mental health issues are more prevalent in the 15-19 age group, offering parents sufficient time to consider genetic testing and develop preventive approaches.
What Parents Can Do
These diseases represent just a fraction of the genetic risks children may inherit, which can be triggered by unhealthy lifestyles either in childhood or later life. However, they are among the most common and serious from both health and performance perspectives. Solutions like genomic lifestyle management platforms, such as Eplimo, can detect genetic predispositions for these and hundreds of other diseases in a single test, years before symptoms appear. These tools provide comprehensive lifestyle modification plans to help mitigate risks effectively.
Author: Dr. Sajeev Nair, Chief Curator of the World Biohack Summit Dubai and Founder & Chairman of Vieroots, a health-tech startup based in Bengaluru.
