Scientists have found the reason why many people can find room for dessert even after eating a huge meal. A process in the brain that makes us feel full after eating also makes us hungry for sugar, according to a study published in the journal Science.
The research involved mice and humans, who were given different types of food or drinks with varying levels of sugar. The results showed that when mice were offered a sugary treat, they ate six times more calories than their usual meal, despite feeling full. In humans, brain activity similar to that seen in mice was detected when people consumed high-sugar drinks.
The study suggests that the brain’s response to sugar is linked to the release of feel-good endorphins, which override feelings of fullness and make us crave sweets even more. This “sugary tooth” can be triggered by even thinking about dessert or smelling a sweet fragrance.
Blocking the activity of these brain cells using a specific drug could lead to weight loss, as it reduces post-meal sugar cravings. The researchers plan to further study this phenomenon in humans and explore the possibility of developing new drugs that target this small but crucial brain region.
The appeal of sweet foods is thought to contribute to binge-eating and obesity, making understanding this mechanism essential for developing effective treatments.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14394303/Scientists-prove-dessert-stomach-real.html