Even short-term dietary changes can lead to obesity

Research indicates the role of the brain has to be taken into account when looking at the causes of obesity.

- Stephanie Kullmann

After one has had a long, stressful day at work, or when one is pressed for time, the temptation to have a quick, satisfying snack like crisps or a chocolate bar can be strong. Research shows that these ultra-processed, high-calorie foods play a significant role in the development of obesity, but the lasting effects these foods have on the brain were not clear until now.

Surprisingly, even short-term consumption of highly processed, unhealthy foods can significantly reduce insulin sensitivity in the brains of healthy people. This effect persists even after returning to a normal diet, as shown in a recent study my colleagues and I conducted, highlighting the brain's important role in the development of obesity.

Unhealthy fat distribution and ongoing weight gain are linked to the brain's response to insulin. In a healthy person, insulin helps control appetite in the brain. However, in people with obesity, insulin loses its ability to regulate eating habits, leading to insulin resistance.