Tasting fat could prevent obesity, according to new Geelong research.
Deakin University health researchers found that people who failed to taste fat were more likely to overeat.
Professor Russell Keast said the study suggested the ability to taste fat was linked to “fullness”.
“If you do not taste fat or experience the fullness association with eating fatty food you are likely to be more hungry and consume more energy after an earlier fatty meal,” he said.
“It is becoming clear that our ability to taste fat is a factor in the development of obesity.
“Some people have a high sensitivity to the taste and are likely to eat less fatty foods, while others a less sensitive and cannot taste fat and are more likely to overeat fatty foods.”
