Overeating isn’t your fault - New scientific discovery changes everything

What is the new scientific study about?

It turns out that the problem often lies not in an excessive love for food, but on the contrary - in a reduced ability to enjoy it.

Researchers found that people who are overweight and obese often enjoy food less than people with a healthy weight. Constant consumption of high-fat foods can, over time, "train" the brain to perceive such food as less satisfying and pleasant. This disrupts the brain's reward center.

Experiments conducted on mice showed that a protein called neurotensin plays a key role in this process. When its levels in the brains of rodents fed fatty foods were artificially restored, their healthy response to food returned, and their tendency to overeat significantly decreased. This suggests that restoring the ability to enjoy food, rather than suppressing it, may be the key to mindful eating and correcting eating behavior.

This approach radically differs from modern popular weight loss medications based on GLP-1 (like Ozempic), which primarily work by suppressing appetite. The new study suggests focusing on restoring the healthy function of the brain's reward system. After all, the pleasure of eating is an important evolutionary mechanism. When it is disrupted, people start eating out of habit, boredom, or stress, without experiencing true enjoyment - leading to overeating.

Although the study was conducted on mice, scientists consider the results promising for humans as well since brain mechanisms and chemical processes in rodents and humans are very similar. It's worth noting that many breakthroughs in obesity treatment, including the development of drugs like semaglutide, began with research on rodents.

Do you enjoy your food?

How can you tell if your reward center is working properly? Ask yourself during a meal: “Am I still enjoying this?” Being aware of this can help you pause and make a conscious choice. Pay attention to whether you're eating automatically, without tasting, or reaching for a snack out of boredom.

The study reminds us that food is not just fuel. It's closely connected to emotions and pleasure. Try to eat mindfully, choosing not only tasty but also nutritious foods, experimenting with healthy ingredients, and savoring every bite without rushing.

If you struggle with overeating or eat without enjoyment, the issue may not just be about willpower but about biological changes in the brain, which scientists hope can be adjusted in the future.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.