Center for Bioethics Papers
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of this Version
August 2004
Abstract
Obesity is often established in adolescence, and advances are being made in identifying its genetic underpinnings. We examine issues related to the eventual likelihood of genetic tests for obesity targeted to adolescents: family involvement; comprehension of the test’s meaning; how knowledge of genetic status may affect psychological adaptation; minors’ ability to control events; parental/child autonomy; ability to make informed medical decisions; self-esteem; unclear distinctions between early/late onset for this condition; and social stigmatization. The public health arena will be important in educating families about possible future genetic tests for obesity.
Keywords
genetic testing, minors, adolescents, obesity
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Date Posted: 21 March 2007
This document has been peer reviewed.
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