A recent study published in Nature Metabolism has found that short-term overconsumption of junk food can significantly alter brain activity, mirroring patterns seen in obesity. Researchers at the University of Tübingen in Germany recruited 29 healthy young men and had them consume an extra 1,500 calories per day for five days, primarily from ultra-processed snacks.
The study used functional MRI scans to measure brain activity before, after, and one week after the diet change. The results showed that even after returning to a normal diet, the “junk food” group continued to exhibit increased activity in brain regions involved in food reward and dietary changes. This pattern resembles what is seen in individuals with obesity and insulin resistance.
The study suggests that short-term overeating can disrupt or impact how the brain responds to food, potentially making it harder to regulate eating behavior in the long term. The effects of junk food on brain activity outlasted the binge itself, indicating that even brief periods of high-calorie consumption can shift insulin activity in ways that resemble early markers of metabolic dysfunction.
This research provides a potential explanation for why people may experience cravings and addictive-like behaviors after consuming junk food. It highlights the importance of considering not only physical effects but also brain responses to food choices.
Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/motivated-behaviors/202503/binge-now-pay-later-the-effects-of-junk-food-on-your-brain