Key points from article :
Scientists have identified a genetic link between overeating in Labradors and obesity-prone humans, revealing new insights into the biology of appetite regulation. The study, published in Science, found that changes in the gene DENND1B interfere with brain signals that control hunger, making individuals more likely to overeat.
Dr. Eleanor Raffan and her team at the University of Cambridge analysed the genetics of 250 Labradors, identifying a specific variation in DENND1B that correlated with higher body mass. When they cross-referenced human genetic data, they found the same gene was also linked to obesity in people. This discovery sheds light on fundamental brain pathways that regulate appetite and energy use.
The findings highlight that obesity is driven by biology rather than willpower, as individuals with a high genetic risk must work much harder to maintain a healthy weight. The research may also pave the way for new obesity treatments by targeting alternative appetite-regulating pathways beyond those affected by current weight-loss drugs like Ozempic.
