Cambridge researchers found five genes connected to being overweight in Labradors and people. Their study in the journal Science showed that the gene DENND1B plays a role in how we feel hunger, and dogs with this gene have 8% more body fat.
The gene DENND1B greatly increases the chance of becoming overweight in both dogs and humans.
The research team was made up of Cambridge experts, including Dr. Eleanor Raffan and Alyce McClellan, who are Labrador owners and experts in genes. They worked together to compare DNA with signs of being overweight very carefully.
The study was carried out at the University of Cambridge in the UK, using information from local British Labradors. These findings are important worldwide for dealing with obesity and new trends.
The research was shared on March 6, 2025. It builds on past studies from 2016 that first looked into Labrador appetite genes, marking a big step forward in the study of genes and obesity.
The study aimed to learn more about being overweight and what health problems it can cause. By tying genetic markers to body fat, researchers hope to ultimately improve diet and exercise plans for both pets and humans.
Researchers used wide studies of genes to compare DNA samples with levels of obesity. They measured how often Labradors asked for food and their body fat, and they compared these results very carefully with human data to come to their conclusions.
