Can’t eat just one potato chip? Blame your genes

Turns out not being able stop after one chip is actually in your DNA.

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan uncovered a gene that has a strong correlation to obesity prevention. It helps you to stop yourself before you overeat, especially greasy junk foods.

The put-the-fork-down gene — called CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1, or CRTC1 — along with a related neuron, melanocortin-4 receptor, or MC4R, were both studied in mice to observe how those genetic matters affect eating habits.

Consumption of fatty foods significantly swayed the results.

A group of mice who had CRTC1 deleted from their genes first tested the same against a control group when fed a standard diet, EurekAlert reported.

However, when the CRTC1-deficient group was put on a high-fat diet, they developed diabetes and gained more weight than the control mice.

“This study has revealed the role that the CRTC1 gene plays in the brain, and part of the mechanism that stops us from overeating high-calorie, fatty and sugary foods,” said Professor Shigenobu Matsumura, head of the study’s research team.

“We hope this will lead to a better understanding of what causes people to overeat.”