Binge-eating alert ladies! Study identifies the brain circuit responsible for overeating

Sometimes we just eat for the heck of it, do you know why? Because your mind is playing you. No we aren't claiming this but a study is.
eating disorders and infertility
Watch what you eat and avoid binge eating. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Updated: 13 Dec 2019, 18:08 pm IST
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Are you also stumped by binging eating sessions? No there is no need to feel guilty because it’s not just you – it’s your brain. Yeah, you heard that right ladies.

Researchers have identified a specific circuit of nerves in the brain involved in impulsive feeding behaviour. They also suggest that in case, this urge takes over then medication is the only solution.

Watch Now: Why Do We Binge Eat?
 

Let’s dig a little deeper to find out how your brain is plotting this
The researchers, including those from the University of Georgia (UGA) in the US, say that impulsiveness or responding without thinking about the consequences of an action is linked to excessive food intake, binge eating, weight gain, and obesity.

They also claim that the melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) is produced in a brain area called hypothalamus–a small region at the base of the brain that plays a crucial role in many important functions, such as releasing hormones and regulating body temperature.

In the study, published in the journal Nature Communications, the researchers activated cells in the hypothalamus which produced MCH. They found that the animals became more impulsive in their behaviour around food.

Don’t be an impulsive eater. It will come and bite you. GIF courtesy: GIPHY

The researchers have also activated a specific pathway in the brain’s nerve connections from the hypothalamus to a region called the hippocampus– involved with learning and memory function.

They found that the MCH doesn’t affect how much the animals liked the food, or how hard they were willing to work for it. Instead, they said the circuit acted on the animals’ inhibitory control, or their ability to stop themselves from trying to get the food.

BTW, your brain is not doing it single-handedly because food is its partner in crime
We become all excited and start drooling whenever we are around delectable food. Actually, we think that it will have a therapeutic effect on us as we feel good after eating may be a chocolate or fries.

But ladies just think about those unhealthy calories that you’ll intake.

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Then how to go about it?
The tried and tested method of saving yourself from constant binging, to begin with, is to eat breakfast. Trust us, it will keep you full and won’t let those hunger pangs haunt you in the middle of the day.

And secondly, treat yourself with a cheat day, but only once a week.

So, it’s a deal ladies. Don’t just get into the trap of overeating because not just your physical health but your mental health can also go for a toss.

With inputs from PTI

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About the Author

Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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