Scientists have found that a particular gene is instrumental in enabling
the preference in taste among girls who find ice cream and other sugary
foods tastier. Researchers revealed that the presence of this particular gene is also linked to obesity.
Canadian researchers said that there are many reasons why some women are
obese. Some of the key reasons are connected to emotional well-being,
genetic predisposition, and environmental stress.
Dr. Patricia Silveira, from McGill University, said: "We found that a
variation in a gene that regulates the activity dopamine, which
regulates the individual's response to tasty food, predicted the amount
of 'comfort' foods - highly palatable foods such as ice cream, candy or
calorie-laden snacks - selected and eaten by children.""This effect was especially important for girls who we found carried the
genetic allele that decreases dopamine function. Most importantly, the
amount of comfort food eaten during the snack test in the four-year olds
predicted the body weight of the girls at the age of six. Our research
indicates that genetics and emotional well-being combine to drive
consumption of foods that promote obesity."
SOURCE: McGill University
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