Researchers studied 258 young children to understand how different eating patterns affect heart and metabolic health, especially in kids who carry a particular gene linked to weight gain. They found that children with this gene variant who ate more processed and industrialized foods had higher levels of unhealthy fats in their blood and signs of metabolic stress. The study suggests that kids with this genetic trait may need to be extra careful about avoiding processed foods to protect their heart health as they grow up.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether eating processed, industrialized foods affects heart and metabolic health differently in children who carry a specific obesity-related gene variant compared to those who don’t
  • Who participated: 258 children between ages 4 and 7 years old. About 20% of them carried the FTO gene variant being studied
  • Key finding: Children with the FTO gene variant who ate more processed foods had higher triglycerides (unhealthy blood fats) and a higher TyG index (a marker of metabolic stress). The effect was measurable and statistically significant, meaning it wasn’t due to chance
  • What it means for you: If your child carries this gene variant, limiting processed and industrialized foods may be especially important for protecting their heart health. However, this is just one study in young children, so talk to your doctor before making major dietary changes

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers looked at a group of children at one point in time rather than following them over years. They measured each child’s body composition using a special scanning machine called DEXA, took blood samples to check cholesterol and fat levels, measured blood pressure, and identified which children carried the FTO gene variant using a simple mouth swab test. They then used statistical analysis to see which eating patterns were connected to unhealthy heart and metabolic markers in children with and without the gene variant.

The researchers identified five different eating patterns by analyzing what the children ate: Traditional foods, Industrialized (processed) foods, Milk and chocolate milk products, Snack foods, and Natural foods. They then looked at whether each pattern was linked to heart health problems, separately for children with and without the gene variant.

This approach is important because it helps us understand that genes and diet don’t work in isolation—they work together. A food that might be okay for one child could be riskier for another child based on their genetics. This kind of research supports the idea of personalized nutrition, where dietary recommendations might be tailored based on a person’s genetic makeup

This study has some strengths: it used objective measurements like DEXA scans and blood tests rather than just asking parents what kids ate, and it properly identified the gene variant. However, because it’s cross-sectional, we can’t prove that the processed food caused the health problems—only that they’re connected. The study was also relatively small (258 children) and looked at only one moment in time, so we can’t know if these patterns continue as children grow older

What the Results Show

The most important finding was that children carrying the FTO gene variant who ate more industrialized and processed foods had higher triglyceride levels (unhealthy blood fats) and higher TyG index scores (a measure of metabolic stress). Specifically, for every increase in the industrialized diet pattern score, triglycerides went up by about 7.47 units and the TyG index went up by 0.06 units in children with the gene variant.

Interestingly, this connection between processed foods and heart health problems was only found in children who carried the gene variant. Children without the variant didn’t show the same strong connection, suggesting that genetics plays a role in how processed foods affect the body.

A secondary finding was that high milk and chocolate milk consumption was also linked to higher TyG index scores in children with the gene variant, though this effect was smaller than the processed food effect.

The study identified that about 20% of the children in the study carried the FTO gene variant. The researchers found five distinct eating patterns in the group, with the ‘Traditional’ and ‘Natural’ patterns not showing the same harmful associations with heart health markers as the processed food patterns did. This suggests that whole, unprocessed foods may be protective even for children with genetic risk factors

Previous research has shown that the FTO gene variant is linked to higher body weight and obesity risk in children and adults. This study adds to that knowledge by showing that the gene variant may also make children more sensitive to the harmful effects of processed foods on heart and metabolic health. Other studies have shown that processed foods are generally linked to worse health outcomes, but this research suggests the effect might be stronger in genetically predisposed individuals

This study has several important limitations. First, it only looked at children at one point in time, so we can’t prove that processed foods caused the health problems—only that they’re connected. Second, the study relied on dietary information that may not have been perfectly accurate. Third, the sample size was relatively small and from a specific population, so results might not apply to all children everywhere. Fourth, we don’t know if these patterns continue as children grow older or if the effects change over time. Finally, the study couldn’t account for all possible factors that might affect heart health, like physical activity levels or sleep

The Bottom Line

For children who carry the FTO gene variant: Limit processed and industrialized foods and focus on whole, natural foods. This recommendation has moderate confidence based on this study, but should be confirmed with larger, longer-term research. For all children: Reducing processed foods is generally recommended by health organizations regardless of genetics. Talk to your pediatrician about your child’s specific dietary needs, especially if there’s a family history of weight problems or heart disease

Parents of young children (ages 4-7) should care about this research, especially if there’s a family history of obesity or heart disease. Children who have been identified as carrying the FTO gene variant through genetic testing should particularly pay attention. However, these findings are most relevant to young children and may not apply the same way to teenagers or adults. If your child hasn’t been genetically tested, these findings suggest that reducing processed foods is still a good idea for everyone

Changes in blood fat levels can happen relatively quickly—sometimes within weeks to months of dietary changes. However, long-term benefits for heart health typically take months to years to become fully apparent. You might see improvements in energy levels and weight within a few weeks, but metabolic improvements usually take longer to measure

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of processed/industrialized foods versus whole foods. Set a goal like ‘Limit processed foods to 2 servings per day’ and log each meal, noting whether it’s processed or whole food. Monitor triglyceride levels through annual blood work if available
  • Use the app to plan meals with whole foods and set reminders to pack healthy snacks. Create a ‘processed food alternatives’ list (like swapping chocolate milk for regular milk, or packaged snacks for fruit) and track successful substitutions
  • Weekly review of the processed vs. whole food ratio. Monthly check-ins on energy levels and how clothes fit. Annual blood work to track triglycerides and metabolic markers if recommended by your doctor. Track any changes in weight or body composition every 3 months

This research describes an association between processed foods and heart health markers in children with a specific gene variant, but does not prove that processed foods cause these problems. This study was conducted in a specific population of young children and may not apply to all children or age groups. Genetic testing for the FTO variant is not routinely recommended for children. Before making significant dietary changes for your child, especially if they have existing health conditions, consult with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If your child has been diagnosed with high triglycerides or other metabolic concerns, work with your healthcare provider to develop an appropriate nutrition plan