A recent study from the University Hospital of Tübingen has shed new light on the central role of the brain in the development of obesity. Insulin, a key hormone, plays a crucial role in obesity’s development and contributes to both metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders.
The prevalence of obesity has increased significantly in recent decades, posing major challenges for affected individuals, healthcare systems, and medical professionals. Obesity was officially recognized as a disease in Germany only in 2020, with the World Health Organization classifying it as a global epidemic affecting over one billion people worldwide.
Research suggests that insulin’s effects on the brain are more complex than previously understood. In healthy individuals, insulin has an appetite-suppressing effect in the brain. However, in people with obesity, insulin no longer regulates eating behavior properly, resulting in insulin resistance.
A study involving 29 male volunteers found that a short-term high-calorie diet caused significant changes in brain insulin sensitivity, even after returning to a balanced diet. This effect was observed in healthy individuals, similar to those with obesity, and persisted for up to seven days.
The researchers suggest that the brain’s response to dietary changes may be an initial cause of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms driving obesity and how the brain contributes to its development.
This study provides a promising start in understanding the complex relationship between insulin, diet, and obesity. However, it highlights the need for more research, particularly involving both sexes, to fully grasp the underlying causes of this global health issue.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/new-research-uncovers-brains-hidden-role-in-triggering-obesity