Labradors and Humans Share Genes That Influence Obesity, Cambridge Study Finds
It turns out that man’s best friend and man himself may have more in common than just loyalty and affection—they may also share the same genetic predisposition for gaining weight.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge reveals that Labradors and humans carry multiple genes associated with obesity, offering fascinating insights into the biological forces behind our eating habits and waistlines.
A Shared Genetic Blueprint: The Role of DENND1B
At the heart of this study is a gene called DENND1B, which scientists have identified as the strongest genetic factor influencing obesity in Labradors.
The surprising twist? This same gene is also found in humans and is linked to obesity in people as well.
According to the researchers, DENND1B directly affects a brain pathway that regulates energy balance—in simple terms, it helps control how the body manages hunger, how quickly it burns calories, and how much fat it stores.
In addition to DENND1B, the scientists uncovered four more genes that are linked to obesity in dogs. These genes, although not as influential as DENND1B, are still important and are also found in the human genome.
Their combined impact underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of obesity.
No single gene makes a dog—or a person—overweight; rather, it’s the net effect of several genes working together, along with lifestyle and environmental influences.
How Genetics Show Up in Behavior
But the story doesn’t stop at the molecular level. The researchers were curious about how these genetic traits translated into real-world behavior. So, they took a closer look at how dogs acted around food.
“We measured how much dogs pestered their owners for food and whether they were fussy eaters,” said Natalie Wallis, one of the study’s authors.
The findings were telling: dogs with a higher genetic risk of obesity tended to beg more persistently, show less fussiness with food, and demonstrate a consistently larger appetite.
These behavioral traits are strikingly similar to patterns observed in humans with a high genetic risk for obesity.
What this means is that genetics may play a role not just in how our bodies handle calories, but also in how we think and feel about food—whether we’re a Labrador who’s always sniffing for treats or a human who can’t resist a midnight snack.
Environment Still Matters—A Lot
Perhaps the most uplifting takeaway from the study is that genes aren’t destiny.
The researchers discovered that some dogs who were genetically predisposed to gain weight managed to maintain a healthy figure—thanks entirely to the effort and discipline of their owners.
Dog owners who closely controlled their pets’ food intake, limited treats, and ensured regular physical activity were able to counteract genetic disadvantages. But it wasn’t easy.
These dogs needed far more attention and structure than others to maintain a healthy weight.
This directly parallels the human experience. People with a high genetic risk of obesity are not doomed to become overweight, but they do face an uphill battle.
Maintaining a healthy weight for them often requires more vigilance, structure, and effort than for someone with a lower genetic risk.
Dr. Eleanor Raffan, who led the study published in the journal Science, emphasized an important point: “Owners of slim dogs are not morally superior. The same is true of slim people.
If you have a high genetic risk of obesity, then when there’s lots of food available, you’re prone to overeating and gaining weight unless you put a huge effort into not doing so.”
A Broader Epidemic—With Shared Roots
Currently, between 40% and 60% of pet dogs are overweight or obese. That figure mirrors obesity rates in many human populations around the world. And the consequences are similarly serious.
Obesity in dogs can lead to diabetes, joint problems, cardiovascular issues, and a shorter lifespan—just as it can in people.
This study reminds us that the obesity epidemic isn’t just a product of weak will or poor choices. It’s a biologically influenced challenge—but one that can be managed with knowledge, structure, and care.
What This Means for Pet Owners
For dog owners—especially those with Labradors—this research underscores the importance of staying vigilant. If your furry friend seems extra food-motivated, it might not just be a quirky personality trait.
It could be written in their genes. And for humans, this study offers a timely reminder: weight management is not a moral issue—it’s a scientific one.
Whether you walk on two legs or four, genetics may tilt the playing field—but with awareness and effort, the game is far from lost.
