Eating behavior of dogs can also explain overweight problems in humans

Physicians investigate the feeding behavior of dogs

When it comes to excessive weight gain, people and dogs are quite similar and some animals are just more prone to obesity and obesity. A new dog behavior study could now help us better understand how the human personality influences the onset of obesity.

The scientists from the University of Padova found in their current study that dog and humans are similar when it comes to the development of obesity. Some just seem to be more susceptible to excessive weight gain. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Royal Society Open Science".

Scientists are now studying the eating habits of dogs to find out how to avoid overweight in humans and dogs. (Image: Photo-SD / fotolia.com)

Dogs fed different meal

The researchers asked volunteers to bring their dogs to the investigation. These animals were then divided into several groups, depending on whether they had a normal average weight or were suffering from obesity. The scientists then first submitted an inferior meal or food that was not so filling or interesting to the dog. Afterwards, the researchers brought the dogs either a bowl without food in it or a bowl with a high-quality, tasty food. The owners of the dogs were previously asked to order their dog to wait until the scientists brought out a second bowl of food. So the dogs were able to check both bowls first before deciding on one of the two bowls.

Overweight dogs preferred inferior food

The experts had actually suggested that the overweight dogs would rather wait for the potential high-quality meal, because they would prefer a great tasting meal. This was not the case. The overweight dogs quickly decided not to wait for the potentially delicious food. Instead, the animals consumed the inferior food as soon as they were served it.

Obese people behave similarly?

People and dogs are alike in many ways, but it is too early to say that humans behave in a similar way, the researchers explain. However, if people really behave the same way, it means that overweight people may also prefer the instant meal, if there is any uncertainty about having a better meal later, the researchers add.

What advantages can such eating behavior offer?

From an evolutionary point of view, this could have been a beneficial behavior in wild animals. Animals can rarely be sure if and when their next meal will take place, so they need to take every opportunity to eat food, experts say. In today's world of abundance, where humans and animals often have unlimited access to food, patience would be advisable when choosing food intake, the doctors add.

These factors affect our weight

However, this research clearly had its limitations, as the links between human and animal obesity are endlessly complicated and controversial, scientists say. It has not been proven that a similar behavior exists in humans. There are also factors that play an important role in the development of overweight and obesity, such as genetics, access to healthy food and exercise, the experts explain. (As)