The Genetic Overeating Link
Turns out, Labradors and humans share a “love for food” gene! A recent study found that the gene DENND1B, linked to obesity in Labs, is also found in humans. This gene messes with the signals in the brain that say, “Hey, you’ve had enough!”
Labradors Aren’t the Only Ones
Dr. Eleanor Raffan from the University of Cambridge says this discovery proves that slim dogs aren’t morally superior, and the same goes for slim humans. If you’re genetically wired to gain weight, it’s way harder to stay slim. Lucky for the low-risk folks, they don’t have to work as hard.
Doggie Study: Fat and Greedy
Researchers studied doggos by measuring body fat, giving them a “greediness” score (based on how much they begged for food), and checking their saliva for the gene. Turns out, dogs with DENND1B had 8% more body fat than those without it.
Humans Aren’t Off the Hook
Then the scientists looked at human data and saw the same pattern—people with this gene are more prone to obesity, especially if they have a family history of it.
A Little Extra Effort Goes a Long Way
Just like dog owners who manage their pups’ diets and exercise to avoid obesity, humans with the same genetic risk can avoid gaining weight with strict diet and exercise. But it’s definitely more work.
The Bottom Line
No one gene is the sole culprit for obesity in dogs or humans, but this discovery helps us understand why some of us (and our dogs) can’t stop eating.
