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Junk Food Consumption May Alter Brain’s Reward System, Leading to Diminished Enjoyment
Consuming excessive amounts of palatable junk food may trigger brain changes that diminish the pleasure derived from it, according to a recent study. Prior research indicated that individuals with obesity might experience less satisfaction from eating compared to those at a healthy weight, with brain scans revealing reduced activity in pleasure-related areas upon food presentation. This new research delves deeper into the neurological mechanisms behind this phenomenon.
Exploring the Link Between High-Fat Diets and Reduced Food Enjoyment
Mice Study Uncovers Unexpected Brain Mechanism
Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, conducted experiments on mice to investigate the underlying causes of this reduced enjoyment. Their study unveiled a surprising brain mechanism that could clarify why regular consumption of high-fat foods can lessen the desire for such items, even when readily available. The researchers propose that this decrease in food-related pleasure may contribute to the progression of obesity.
Dr. Neta Gazit Shimoni, a postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley, explained, “Imagine savouring a delectable dessert at a top-tier restaurant in Paris – you experience a surge of dopamine and happiness. We observed that this same sensation occurs in mice on a standard diet, but is absent in those on a high-fat diet. They might continue eating out of habit or boredom, rather than experiencing genuine delight.”
Observed Changes in Eating Behavior
During observation, Dr. Gazit Shimoni noted an intriguing pattern in mice behavior. When housed in their cages, the mice exhibited a preference for high-fat food (60% fat) over regular food (4% fat). However, upon release and given access to highly palatable, high-calorie foods like butter, peanut butter, and chocolate, they displayed less inclination to indulge compared to mice on a standard diet.
Neurotensin and Dopamine Connection Revealed
Brain examinations revealed that mice consuming a high-calorie diet had decreased levels of a brain peptide known as neurotensin, which interacts with the dopamine network. Professor Stephan Lammel, a neuroscience expert at UC Berkeley, stated, “Neurotensin is this crucial missing element. Normally, it boosts dopamine activity, which drives reward and motivation. But in mice on a high-fat diet, neurotensin is reduced, and they lose the strong urge to consume high-calorie foods — even when easily accessible.”
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Potential Implications for Obesity Treatments and Weight Management
When neurotensin levels were restored in the mice, they experienced both weight reduction and increased interest in high-calorie foods. Professor Lammel added, “Restoring neurotensin appears to be highly significant in preventing the loss of desire to consume high-calorie foods. It may not provide complete immunity to becoming obese again, but it could assist in managing eating behavior and returning it to a more normal state.”
The researchers are optimistic that their discoveries may pave the way for novel obesity treatments. Professor Lammel concluded, “A natural inclination towards junk food isn’t inherently negative — but losing it could further worsen obesity. A high-fat diet alters the brain, leading to reduced neurotensin levels, which, in turn, changes our eating habits and responses to these foods. We’ve identified a method to restore the desire for high-calorie foods, which might actually aid in weight management.” The study’s findings were published in the journal Nature.