Similar genes related to obesity have been discovered in dogs and humans.
- Researchers have discovered genes linked to obesity in dogs.
- Humans have the same genes.
- The bearers of these genes linked to obesity showed, among other things, signs of appetite higher than the others.
Dogs and humans do not only share a great friendship. They also have many genes in common, including those linked to obesity. Here is what researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered by studying Labradors.
Their work was published in the journal Science March 6, 2025.
Seimious obesity genes in humans and dogs
The researchers brought together 241 Labradors Retrievers to better understand the origin of canine obesity. They then measured their body fat and removed a saliva sample to carry out a genetic analysis. By comparing the corpulence of the dog to its DNA, scientists were able to identify genes linked to canine obesity. Five of them can also be in humans. Researchers are particularly interested in the one who is baptized Dennd1b. They noticed that the doggies carrying this genetic variant associated with obesity, had about 8 % of body fat in addition to those who did not.
Secondly, the team checked if this gene could also be linked to human obesity. And indeed, some people carry this gene, and they also have a risk of weight problems. The study also shows that the Dennd1b gene directly affects a brain route responsible for regulating energy balance in the body or hunger, called melanocortine leptin route.
“These genes are not immediately obvious for weight loss drugs, as they control other key biological processes in the body with which the results underline the importance of fundamental brains in the control of appetite and body weight” should not be interfered.specifies Alyce McCleLlan Co-Prime Author, in a press release.
Obesity: the gene would play on appetite
What is the effect of these genes linked to obesity on the body? They seem to act on appetite. “We found that dogs with high genetic risk of obesity were more interested in food”indicates Natalie Wallis, the main co-author of the study. “We measured to what extent dogs were annoying their masters to get food and if they were difficult to eat. Animals presenting a high genetic risk of obesity, showed higher appetite signs of appetite, as has also been demonstrated in people with high genetic risk of obesity“Adds the specialist.
Another discovery: the owners who strictly controlled the food and the exercise of their dogs managed to prevent weight gain, even those with a high genetic risk of becoming obese. However, it took more attention and effort to keep the animal a healthy weight.
“The study of dogs has shown us something really powerful: the owners of thin dogs are not morally superior. The same goes for thin people. If you have a high genetic risk of obesity, when there is a lot of food available, you tend to eat too much and gain weight, unless you do a huge effort not to do it”specifies Dr. Eleanor Raffan who led the research.
“These works show how much dogs are genetically similar to humans. The study of dogs has allowed us to focus on this particular gene. This has enabled a major advance in understanding how our own brain controls our eating behavior and our energy consumption”she concludes.
