Genetic Link Between Overeating in Labradors and Humans Discovered
DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how
Dog Food Advisor is 100% impartial and is never paid to promote any brand. But if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
A study has uncovered a genetic factor that drives overeating in both Labrador Retrievers and humans, shedding new light on obesity risk. Researchers from the University of Cambridge have identified a gene — DENND1B — that interferes with brain signals regulating hunger, making some individuals and dogs more prone to overeating.
How genetics influence appetite
The study, published in the journal Science and reported by the BBC, analyzed the DNA of 250 Labradors, identifying a specific genetic variation linked to higher body mass. The same gene was later found in obese humans. This discovery supports the idea that genetics play a significant role in weight gain, rather than solely lifestyle choices or willpower.
Dr. Eleanor Raffan, lead researcher, said: “It alters the predisposition to weight gain because it’s tweaking a system that is involved in regulating how hungry we feel and how much energy we burn off.”
She added that slim people or people with slim dogs are not “morally superior”.
“If you have a high genetic risk of obesity, you’re prone to gaining weight unless you put a huge effort into not doing so,” she said. “And those with low genetic risk just don’t have to work so hard.”
Implications for weight management
Dogs with this genetic predisposition require strict diets and regular exercise to manage their weight — similar to humans facing obesity-related challenges. Understanding these genetic factors may contribute to the future development of targeted obesity treatments.
Alyce McClellan, another researcher on the team, said the findings showed “the importance of brain pathways in controlling appetite and body weight, reinforcing that obesity is not just about willpower.”
New insights for obesity treatment
This discovery adds to a growing body of research on appetite regulation and could pave the way for new weight-loss drugs. While current medications like Ozempic target different biological mechanisms, understanding other causes of obesity may lead to more effective treatments in the future.
“What we’ve identified here is a different pathway [from the one targeted by those drugs],” explained Dr Raffan. “But it all speaks to the same important bit of biology, which is that obesity is not about having low willpower.
“It’s about the fact that some people are prone to weight gain because they have a genetic risk which increases their responsiveness to food and their appetite. This goes for dogs and humans alike – they have a genetic drive to overeat.”
Weight Loss“>
What this means for dogs
Labradors are well known as “food oriented” dogs, so the news that they’re genetically disposed to overeating is no great surprise. But, as with humans sharing that genetic trait, this doesn’t protect them from the life-threatening health risks associated with obesity.
People are becoming more obese and so are dogs — and this is a ticking timebomb for diabetes, cancer, heart disease and joint issues. A few extra pounds can cause a few thousand extra dollars at the vet or a few years less by your side.
This discovery might help scientists find a way to regulate hunger through drugs or natural sources but the bottom line is it’s our responsibility to look after our dogs. For some breeds, this simply means less food, better food and/or more exercise.
Final word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.
