Everyone's Health

Are You a Genetic Couch Potato

Let us couch it in no uncertain terms: If you're one of those folks prone to reclining potato-like on a sofa for hours on end, it may be genetic, a case of hard-wiring in the brain.

A study published by the American Physiological Society found that the brains of rats bred to be lean were more sensitive to a chemical produced in the brain called orexin A, which stimulates spontaneous, calorie-consuming physical activities like restlessness and fidgeting.

Conversely, the brains of rats bred to be obese (and watch daytime television) did not respond as much to the presence of orexin.

“The greater expression of orexin receptors suggests the lean rats' brains were more sensitive to the orexin the brain produces,” said Catherine Kotz, the study's senior author. “The results point to a biological basis for being a couch potato.”

The findings reinforce the idea that frequent minor unconscious movements like fidgeting and other behaviors associated with restlessness burn calories and help control weight. Eventually, the scientists say, the research could lead to weight-control drugs that stimulate such activity.

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