Brain, Food and Weight

Written on Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 at 10:50 am by Christiane

Overweight people just enjoy food more than people of normal weight and that’s the reason why they eat more and gain weight!

You think so? Think again!

Scientists at the Oregon Research Institute compared the brain responses of skinny and overweight people while drinking a milkshake. It turned out that a brain region called dorsal striatum, which the scientists describe as “a dopamine-rich pleasure center” became active. However, that brain region was less active in overweight people than in lean people.

Previous brain scans have already shown that overweight people have fewer dopamine receptors that normal weight people. This difference seems to be caused by genetics.

One of the senior scientists at the Oregon Research Institute concludes, based on the study results, that opposed to common belief obese people get in fact LESS satisfaction from food and to compensate for that they eat more.

More: Oregon Research Institute

2 Responses to “Brain, Food and Weight”

  1. restorer says:

    Conclusion: Overweight and obesity are caused by a brain genetic disorder?
    Am I right?
    Read what other scientists say!

    http://www.cdc.gov/NCCDPHP/dnpa/obesity/contributing_factors.htm

  2. Jules says:

    Taking pills is the worst thing you can do for yourself. You sohuld try working on your eating habits and set small and achievable goals at first. Also start an exercise regimen. Remember, weight loss sohuld be slow, gradual and permanent! Not a quick fix unless you want to fail at it. If you want more information on healthy eating and exercise, visit my blog below as well as my facebook page. I work with overweight people

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