It is a very good question, and I'll take it on as best I can.
You are absolutely correct. There is a genetic predisposition to body weight...very thin or very overweight. But the obesity epidemic has occurred in one generation, so there is basically a lot more going on than genetics. That isn't to underestimate genetics; it's a very powerful thing that is being looked at as we speak.
It's clear, though, that there are also other things, such as epigenetic changes, that could have an impact in one generation, for example, the impact on mothers and the baby in utero as a fetus, and in the first year of life. Those impacts can have great influence on how you turn out as a teenager and as an adult. It might be that this is why the early interventions you heard about are so critical.
CIHR is funding research on nutrigenomics and metabolomics, that is, the impact on mammals, including humans, in response to various foods and various constituents in foods. There is a great interest in that area, and Canadian researchers are at the forefront in the world in looking at nutrigenomics and metabolomics. Those are fields of research related to nutrition and health.
Did I confuse you with all of those big words?