Study Finds Genetics, Not Parenting, Behind Picky Eating in Children

New research reveals that genetic factors account for most variations in children's food fussiness, alleviating parental blame.

The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, surveyed 4,804 twins from the UK, aged 16 months to 13 years.
Researchers found that genetics accounted for 60% of food fussiness at 16 months, rising to 74-84% between ages 3 and 13.
Environmental factors, such as family meal practices, play a role in picky eating but are less influential than genetics.
Parental stress related to children's picky eating is significant, but the study aims to reduce parental self-blame.
Experts suggest early childhood interventions and repeated exposure to various foods can help mitigate picky eating tendencies.