the-obesity-paradox:-eating-too-rich-food-reduces-the-desire-for-calorie-food,-but-not-its-consumption

The obesity paradox: Eating too much food reduces the desire for high-calorie food, but not its consumption

March 26, 2025

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By Camille Gaubert THE 03/26/2025 at 5:01 p.m. Subscribers

Chronically eating rich foods reduces the pleasure associated with high-calorie foods. The culprit is a neuronal protein called neurotensin, whose production is affected by diet, a study has found. While this may seem counterintuitive, restoring its normal level could help treat obesity, the researchers conclude.

"DPrevious imaging studies in humans have shown reduced reward-related brain activity in people with obesity when viewing or consuming appetizing foods.

SEBASTIAN GOLLNOWDPAdpa Picture-Alliance via AFP

Did you know that an overly rich diet or obesity significantly reduce the pleasure provided by high-calorie food? The culprit behind this apparent paradox is a protein produced by certain neurons and called neurotensin, which strongly influences the "reward circuit" based on dopamine, reveals new research on mice published in the journal Nature. Results that the authors hope will ultimately be useful for the treatment of obesity and perhaps eating disorders.

Obesity Food Pleasure GLP-1