Satiety responsiveness and eating rate in childhood: Development, plasticity, and the family footprint

Satiety responsiveness (SR) and eating rate (ER) are two appetitive traits that consistently have been linked to energy intake and obesity risk in infancy and early childhood. This chapter examines evidence for familial influences on the development of SR and ER in children, how these traits relate to obesity onset, and feasibility as intervention targets. For each trait, we first introduce common measurement tools. Second, we address risk and susceptibility by reviewing genetic influences, parent-child feeding practices, and associations to adiposity and dietary intake. Third, modifications through interventions are discussed. Lastly, we identify research gaps and opportunities. The metaphor of a “family footprint” is introduced as a heuristic to conceptualize earlier research and look ahead, especially in terms of plasticity and potential for change.