These neurons that dictate our cravings for sugar and fat 🍩

What if our food cravings depended on our memories? A recent study reveals that specific neurons in the hippocampus play a key role in memorizing sweet and fatty foods, directly influencing our eating behaviors.

These findings, published in Nature Metabolism, shed light on a little-known brain mechanism. Researchers have identified neurons that encode food-related memories, shaping our choices and consumption. These results could open new avenues for understanding and treating obesity.

Neurons specialized in food memory

In the hippocampus, a brain region associated with memory, specific neurons encode memories related to foods rich in sugar and fat. These neurons help locate and recall where these foods are, thus influencing food-seeking behaviors.

The experiments conducted showed that when these neurons are deactivated, mice eat less and gain less weight. Conversely, their reactivation increases food consumption. These observations show that memory plays a direct role in regulating appetite.

A link between memory and metabolism

Researchers discovered that these neurons not only store memories but also influence metabolic health. By inhibiting these cells, mice resist weight gain better, even when faced with a diet high in fats and sugars.

This discovery highlights an unexpected link between memory and metabolism. The neural systems involved in food memorization could thus be potential targets for combating obesity.

Specific brain circuits

Neurons sensitive to sugar and fat act independently. Those that encode memories related to sugar only influence sugar consumption, and vice versa for fats. This specificity reflects an evolutionary adaptation to distinguish nutrient sources.

This separation suggests that the brain is finely tuned to associate specific foods with precise eating behaviors. This discovery could explain why some diets fail to control cravings.

Perspectives for human health

This work opens promising perspectives for the treatment of obesity. By targeting food memory circuits, it might be possible to modulate food cravings and reduce overconsumption.

Researchers envision therapeutic applications to help individuals better control their diet. These findings could also inform public health policies regarding obesity prevention.