Why do we always crave dessert after a heavy meal? 🍰

The human brain has a strange ability to crave sugar even after a heavy meal. A recent study reveals that this phenomenon, commonly referred to as a "dessert stomach," is deeply rooted in our biology.

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Cologne discovered that POMC neurons, responsible for the feeling of satiety, also play a key role in the desire for sweets. These neurons activate in the presence of sugar, releasing β-endorphin, an opioid substance that triggers a sense of reward.


This reaction is not only observed in mice but also in humans, suggesting an evolutionary basis for our attraction to sugar. Brain scans have shown that the same brain region reacts to sugar in both species, indicating a universal mechanism.

The study also explored potential implications for obesity treatment. By blocking opioid receptors in the brain, researchers successfully reduced excessive sugar consumption in satiated mice, opening new avenues for obesity therapies.

Henning Fenselau, the study's lead, explains that this discovery could lead to more effective combination treatments. Existing drugs that block opioid receptors could be used in conjunction with other therapies to maximize weight loss.

This research, published in Science, sheds light on the complexity of our relationship with sugar and offers new perspectives for understanding and treating eating disorders.

What are POMC neurons?

POMC neurons are a specific group of nerve cells located in the hypothalamus, a brain region involved in regulating appetite and metabolism. These neurons play a crucial role in the feeling of satiety, signaling to the body that it has eaten enough.

When we consume food, POMC neurons activate to reduce appetite. However, this study reveals that they also have another function: triggering the desire for sugar, even after a heavy meal.

This dual function of POMC neurons suggests complexity in how our brain regulates appetite and food choices, offering leads for new therapeutic approaches.

How does β-endorphin influence our eating behavior?

β-endorphin is an opioid substance naturally produced by the body, playing a key role in the sensation of pleasure and reward. It is released in response to certain activities, such as physical exercise or consuming sugary foods.

In the context of this study, β-endorphin is released by POMC neurons in the presence of sugar, creating a sense of reward that encourages sugar consumption, even in the absence of hunger.

This reaction is particularly interesting because it shows how our brain can be "tricked" into craving energy-rich foods, a characteristic that likely helped our ancestors survive in environments where food was scarce.