Can you blame your DNA for sugar cravings?

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By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Feb 14, 2008 at 12:50 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 14, 2008 at 2:56 PM EDT

(CNN) If you've already broken into your box of chocolates today, you may be able to blame your chocolate and candy cravings on DNA.

Researchers are looking at how genetics may affect how much you like sugar. They say the tendency toward a sweet tooth can emerge at a young age.

“Kids really like candy and kids really like sweets and we think this is a biological imperative for them, because they need calories for growth,” explained geneticist Danielle Reed.

But youth isn't the only factor.

Life experiences, the diet you were raised with, and what you were exposed to as you age and become an adult are also factors.

And while researchers are closer to understanding the reasons behind sugary cravings, they say they're still a long way from figuring out how to control them.

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