What you munch is not your wish, your genes play pivotal role

New Delhi: As per a new study, scientists say that genes play a vital role in our foods choices and dietary habits.

Researchers from Autonomous University of Madrid in Spain analysed the genetics of about 818 men and women of European ancestry and gathered information about their diet using a questionnaire.

They found that the genes they studied did play a significant role in a person's food choices and dietary habits.

For example, higher chocolate intake and a larger waist size was linked to certain forms of the oxytocin receptor gene, and an obesity-associated gene played a role in vegetable and fibre intake, researchers said.

They also observed that certain genes were involved in salt and fat intake.

"Most people have a hard time modifying their dietary habits, even if they know it is in their best interest," said Silvia Berciano from Autonomous University of Madrid.

"This is because our food preferences and ability to work toward goals or follow plans affect what we eat and our ability to stick with diet changes," Berciano said.

"Ours is the first study describing how brain genes affect food intake and dietary preferences in a group of healthy people," she said.

(With Agency inputs)