Familial Resemblance in Body Shape and Composition, Metabolic Syndrome, Physical Activity and Physical Fitness: A Summary of Research in Portuguese Families and Siblings

Twin Res Hum Genet. 2019 Dec;22(6):651-659. doi: 10.1017/thg.2019.46. Epub 2019 Aug 6.

Abstract

We report a summary of Portuguese families and siblings research under the umbrella of the Portuguese Healthy Family Project. Families lived in mainland Portugal, as well as in the Azores and Madeira islands. All samples comprise children and adolescents (9-20 years) and their parents (27-57 years). Recruitment procedures and phenotypes were detailed. Familial resemblance in body shape and composition, metabolic syndrome, physical fitness, physical activity and sedentary behaviors are presented, as well as future research avenues.

Keywords: Families; behavioral characteristics; body composition; health markers; siblings; similarity; somatotype.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anthropometry
  • Body Composition*
  • Child
  • Exercise*
  • Family
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Metabolic Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Fitness*
  • Portugal / epidemiology
  • Siblings*
  • Young Adult