Young people whose “fat gene” is located in an unusual part of their chromosome chain are more likely to binge-eat, according to a recent study by researchers of The University of Queensland.

Data from 6,000 adolescents aged 14 and 16 found that variation in the FTO gene – a fat mass and obesity-associated protein located on chromosome 16 – can predict binge-eating. The FTO gene is already associated with obesity risk, but professor David Evans of The University of Queensland’s Diamantina Institute found that if a young person had the location variation, they were between 20 per cent and 30 per cent more likely to binge-eat.

The pattern, confirmed by a team from the University College of London Institute of Child Health, was especially evident in girls, who were 30 per cent more likely to binge-eat if they had the variation.

“About 10 per cent of adults and teenagers binge-eat, which we define as excessive over-eating with a lack of control over what they are eating,” said Evans. “While it’s known that a combination of genetic and environmental factors lead to eating disorders, until now there has been limited research into how specific genes increase the likelihood of binge-eating behaviours in adolescence that can lead to obesity.”

“In the future [this study] may also help us create strategies for identifying at-risk teenagers before they get to the stage where they are overweight or obese and face the many health problems associated with these issues,” said Evans.