In a recent study at University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience conducted on one of Americas most popular dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever a closer look into there genes has shown that obesity is a genetic issue not necessarily lifestyle. A genetic mutation can be found in some members of this breeds genetic make up that not only makes them feel hungrier all the time but it also makes it so they burn fewer calories.
The genetic mutation discovered is found on the gene known as POMC. This gene is responsible for hunger signals and energy usage. In this study 25% of Labradors and 66% of flat coated retrievers were found to have the POMC mutation. It was shown that dog with the mutation are prone to overeating more, and it also shown that dogs with this mutation burn 25% less energy then dogs without it.
The mutation which effects the POMC gene prohibits the dogs ability to produce two chemical messengers, one being beta-melanocyte stimulating hormone (β-MSH) and the other being beta-endorphin, these are both important in determining hunger and moderating energy use in the dog.
This study consisted of 87 Labradors all who were either at a healthy weight or were entering being overweight. These dog were fed canned dog food every 20 minutes. Now all these dogs ate relatively the same amount proving that dogs with mutation have the ability to feel full. On another day of the study these dogs were fed breakfast then 3 hours later offered a container with food in it which allowed the dogs to see and smell the food but not access it. Dogs with this mutation tried significantly harder then those without it. This indicated that dogs with this mutation become hungrier between meals. The last phase of this study was having the dogs sleep in a specialized chamber which allowed the gases exhaled to be measured and analyze metabolism. Dogs who has the POMC mutation burned 25% fewer calories.
This study helps provide insight on how to help maintain healthy weight. Currently no medication are available for dogs with this mutation but the use of probiotics and calorie monitoring has shown to be effective in preventing obesity.
I think this study is a big breakthrough, as someone who works in the veterinary medicine field I have seen so many owners struggle with their Labradors weight. I have had owners tell me there dog can eat forever or they are always hungry. Obesity leads to so many health issues in dogs so having a study to figure out what factors play a role in common dog breed obesity cases is crucial in preventing it.
Links:
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-03-07/many-labradors-become-obese-and-research-shows-why
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240306150433.htm#:~:text=The%20mutation%20is%20in%20a,food%20and%20risk%20of%20obesity.
I had no idea that Labradors were so prone to obesity much less that its because of a genetic mutation. It's very interesting just how much of our bodily functions are dictated by a string of code and how one slight change can drastically affect one's life. Part of me wonders how, in terms of natural selection, Labradors with such a hunger survived or did they survive because of human interference?
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