A research team from University College London found that children carrying a variant of the FTO gene were more likely to binge on biscuits after eating a meal.
The team offered a plate of biscuits to 130 four- and five-year-olds one hour after they had finished eating a full meal. The children who had one or two of the FTO variants were more likely to eat some more.
"We believe this research tells us more about how some children are more responsive to signals in their bodies encouraging them to eat when full than others," said lead researcher Jane Wardle.
"Children with higher risk versions of the gene might be helped if parents do their bit to keep temptations out of the home."
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