‘Gene leads to gluttony’

A SINGLE gene’s effect on the brain can result in non-stop eating, research has shown.

Scientists believe the “gluttony gene” may be responsible for cases of obesity caused by out-of-control appetite.

The Bdnf gene variant was studied in mice. It was found to prevent brain neurons from transmitting signals that tell the body it has eaten enough.

“This discovery may open up novel strategies to help the brain control body weight,” said Dr Baoki Xu, from Georgetown University in the US. Hunger and satiety, the sensation of “feeling full”, are governed by a balance of hormonal and neuronal signals. Two hormones, leptin and insulin, released in the body after a meal play a key role.

Their chemical signals activate neurons that trigger satiety. But if the connection is not made, the craving for food continues.

The research is reported online in Nature Medicine.