Scientists have discovered the neurons behind the phenomenon of feeling an insatiable urge for sweets after a meal, dubbed the “dessert stomach.” Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research found that pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the brain activate to signal fullness but also release β-endorphin, an opioid hormone that triggers a sugar-specific appetite pathway. This pathway is only activated by sugary foods and provides a feeling of reward, making it difficult to resist dessert.
Blocking this pathway was found to curb sugar cravings in mice, suggesting a potential new way to treat overeating and obesity. The researchers believe a combination with existing therapies could be effective. Further investigation is needed, but the discovery sheds light on the brain’s role in sugar cravings and offers a promising avenue for weight management treatment.
Source: https://newatlas.com/biology/dessert-stomach-brain-sugar