Turns out not being able stop after one chip is actually in your DNA.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University uncovered a gene that has a strong correlation in preventing obesity. Lacking that gene can be detrimental towards one’s ability to not overeat, especially with greasy junk foods.
The put-the-fork-down gene — CREB-Regulated Transcription Coactivator 1 (CRTC1) along with the related neuron melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) — were both studied in mice to observe how the genetic trait affected eating habits.
Consumption of fatty foods significantly swayed the results.
A group of mice — which had CRTC1 deleted from their genes — first tested the same against a control group when fed a standard diet, EurekAlert reported.
However, when the CRTC1 deficient group was put on a high fat diet, they developed diabetes and gained more weight than the control mice.
“This study has revealed the role that the CRTC1 gene plays in the brain, and part of the mechanism that stops us from overeating high-calorie, fatty, and sugary foods,” professor Shigenobu Matsumura of the research team said.
“We hope this will lead to a better understanding of what causes people to overeat.”