Genetic mutation in 25% of Labradors hard-wires them for obesity – study

Around a quarter of Labradors face a “double whammy” of feeling hungry all the time and burning fewer calories due to a genetic mutation, new research suggests.

Scientists say this combination drives obesity and means dog owners should be particularly strict with feeding and exercising their dogs to keep them slim.

The mutation is in a gene called POMC, which plays a key role in hunger and energy use.