Search icon

Feature

20th Dec 2016

Addicted To Cheese? The Answer May Be In Your Genes

katedemolder

Cheese is universally acknowledged as the angel atop the beloved food pyramid, and if you’re not particularly fond of the dairy diamond in the rough, then we’re sure that one of your nearest and dearest would easily swap a chocolate-based dessert for something a little…stinkier. 

Now science has found that there’s a genuine genetic reason for your tendency to consume a huge wheel of cheesy goodness – and it’s all pre-decided in that body in yours. 

In fact, scientists at University Of Cambridge have discovered that roughly one in every 1,000 people have a specific genetic defect known as MC4R, which means they have a predisposition for high-fat foods like butter and cheese – explaining why you find yourself around the cheese board at every party. 

The possessor of this troublesome gene also maintain less of a preference for high-sugar foods. 

Shutterstock 113113177

Scientists in Cambridge laid-out a chicken korma buffet followed by an Eton Mess dessert for 54 volunteers of various size (14 of whom with MC4R) to monitor the food they chose. 

I know right? Heaven.

The people with MC4R were seen to eat a significantly higher proportion of the high-fat korma than their counterparts, and opting out of the high-sugar option more often than not.

So, there you have it. It’s predecided whether you’re going to devour that huge cheese wheel this weekend or not. 

(You will)

READ NEXT: 12 Cheese Toasties You Must Eat Before You Die

Topics: