Obesity and The Brain

**skysoldier** · 02-25-2009, 05:29 AM

As most of us get into middle age we might take special notice of our body’s ability to keep a few extra pounds around the waist. Most of us understand the

importance of eating healthy and the disease risk associated with extra weight around the belly.
Recent research suggests the brain’s ability to sense gratification may be critical to overeating behavior. We may have a gene that assists us with knowing

when we are filled after eating. Research now indicates that a brain that does not express satiation will lead to continued eating and increased risk of

obesity.

We know that a healthy diet and regular exercise are very important for maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding obesity. However, genetics also plays a role

in which an important neurochemical, Dopamine, may play a critical role. Dopamine is the primary neurochemical that regulates our pleasure sensation.

Eating temporarily boosts dopamine levels, but obesity may be associated with fewer Dopamine receptors which lead to less sensation of pleasure with eating.

Research now suggests that the brain regions important to Dopamine expression when eating treats such as a milkshake does not get activated in those who are

obese.

Interestingly, Dopamine has been studied as a primary mechanism for addiction and impulsive behavior including eating. Attempts are underway to try and

understand how Dopamine might be triggered even in obesity to reduce impulsive eating so as to reduce gaining more weight.

Source: Blog.fitbrains.com

**elphie** · 02-25-2009, 09:10 AM

Interesting... I do think there is a lot of truth to this and have read similar research. However I also know that my Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Compulsive Over Eating (COE) are much more complex than dopamine... for me I think it is a combination of the science and the emotional. For now I can't change the science but I can change the emotional aspects.

I also think it is very important for this type of information to be circulated because most people assume that those who are overweight are lazy, unmotivated, lack self-control, etc. That simply isn't true... some overweight people have these characteristics but so do some thin people. We must also be sensitive not to swing the pendulum too far and pity people who are overweight or obese and look for ways to justify or fix them... that is a patronizing, condesending attitude that just doesn't help anyone.

This was a very informative, factual article which provided good information without stepping into that justification/fixing mode. Thanks.