Genetics of Bitter and Fat Taste

Obesity is an increasing problem for adults in the UK. Diets high in fat and sugar are the major contributors to weight gain. Individual differences in taste perception are a crucial factor in determining the investigator's choice of foods and an individual's sensitivity to the either bitter or fat taste compounds has been linked to a preference for different foods including sweet and high fat foods. Previous research has not comprehensively explored the effect of both fat and bitter taste sensitivity on dietary intake and obesity status. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the associations between genetics, fat and bitter taste sensitivity, food preference, dietary intake and obesity measures in the adult UK population.