Genetic studies reveal new causes of severe obesity in childhood

Genetic studies reveal new causes of severe obesity in childhood  
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/uoc-gsr120409.php

"Although the increased prevalence of obesity over the past 30 years is undoubtedly driven by environmental factors, genetic factors play a major role in determining why some people are more likely to gain weight than others. 
 
Some of the children in the study had been formally placed on the Social Services 'at risk' register on the assumption that the parents were deliberately overfeeding their children and causing their severe obesity. They have now been removed from the register."