Overeating could be linked to genetics

Scientists claim to have found new evidence linking the tendency to overeat with genetics.

Researchers claim people who continued to eat despite being full were more likely to have a version of the FTO gene.

A study published in the International Journal of Obesity today observed the behaviour of 120-odd four to five year olds who were offered biscuits after they had eaten a meal.

The authors found the children who ate the biscuits were more likely to have one or two of the ‘higher’ risk versions of the FTO gene.

They suggest their findings could pave the way for a better understanding of the processes which leads to children becoming overweight or obese.

Lead author, Professor Jane Wardle, director of Cancer Research UK’s health behaviour research centre at UCL, said: “We believe this research published today tells us more about how some children are more responsive to signals in their bodies encouraging them to eat.

“Knowing how the genes work is the first step to minimising these negative effects.”

She added it was hoped the research would help improve understanding of the causes of childhood obesity so that better measures can be taken to reduce it.