Blame your overeating on your dopamine levels ... and your genes

According to new research, people who habitually overeat may be able to lay part of the blame on their genes -- and their dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in our brains that largely affects our behaviour, and up to 50% of the population may have a gene variation that alters their levels of dopamine and subsequently causes us to get more pleasure from eating.

This conclusion was the result of testing that monitored how willing to work for food people were compared with whether or not they had a certain gene variation that affected their dopamine levels.

So does this mean that regulating Dopamine through drugs will help curb obesity? Perhaps, but don't hold your breath -- nothing's available yet. And remember -- there's no magic pill that can duplicate the benefits of a moderation and exercise.