𝐈𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐜𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐍𝐀?
With all the turmoil and endless sources of stress in the world right now, we’re sure the vast majority of you have been in need of a cuddle every now and then. But is being a cuddly person actually in your genes?
Well, the short answer is, possibly.
One gene, FTO, is strongly associated with obesity and weight management, particularly in childhood. It is expressed across several tissues, most notably in specific regions of the brain and in muscle and is highly active in hypothalamic regions that play an important role in controlling appetite and energy balance.
FTO influences eating behaviour and is involved in pathways responsible for the release of several hormones, including ghrelin, known as the "hunger hormone."
However, the connection to cuddling is more indirect. Research suggests a link between FTO and brain functions that influence behaviour, including social bonding and emotional regulation, both of which are closely tied to oxytocin, the "cuddle hormone."
That said, oxytocin release and the desire for physical closeness are regulated primarily by the oxytocin gene (OXT) and its receptor gene (OXTR), rather than FTO directly.
So, whilst genetics certainly plays a role in how affectionate or socially bonded, we are as individuals, with some of us naturally more predisposed to being cuddly than others, it is more accurate to say that loving a cuddle is influenced by your DNA, rather than determined by a single gene.
#Muhdo #DNAScience #Genetics #FTOGene #OxytocinHormone #CuddleHormone #GeneticWellness #Epigenetics #HumanBehaviour #BrainScience #Neuroscience #GeneticHealth