With all the turmoil and endless supply of stress ๐คฏ happening in the world ๐at the moment, we’re sure the vast majority of us have been in need of a cuddle every now and then.
But is being a cuddly person in your genes?๐งฌ
Well, the short answer is yes.
One gene ๐งฌ named FTO is strongly associated with obesity and weight problems in childhood.
It is expressed in several tissues, especially specific parts of the brain ๐ง , and muscle ๐ช๐ปand is highly expressed in hypothalamic regions that are important for controlling appetite.ย
FTO also affects energy balance by influencing eating ๐ behaviour and is one of the pathways responsible for the release of a variety of hormones such as ghrelin, which is known as the โHunger Hormoneโ ๐ as well as oxytocin, the โCuddle Hormoneโ.โค๏ธ
Recent research suggests an indirect connection between the FTO gene ๐งฌ and brain ๐ง functions that influence behaviour, including social bonding and emotional regulation, which are closely tied to oxytocin.
So, loving a cuddle โค๏ธ is most definitely a genetic thing. ๐งฌ
With some of us being more prone to actually being a cuddly โค๏ธ person compared to our friends or family.