Working on Weight Loss (page 2 of 2)

Advertisement
 

Obesity and the Brain

If you remember the high-fashion emaciated look known as "heroin chic," then you have a picture of what narcotics do besides blow your mind: They curb the appetite and make you lose weight. Wasting your mind and body is hardly a path to good health, but the link between weight loss and pleasure-producing chemicals in the brain hasn't been lost on scientists. Of particular interest is dopamine, a neurotransmitter produced when you satisfy urges like sex and eating. Brain researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have found that obese people have fewer sites, or receptors, on cells for dopamine to dock with than normal-weight people. The scientists speculate that overeating may be caused by a greater need for stimulation to produce satisfaction. Implication: Other activities that boost dopamine in the brain -- such as exercise -- can take the edge off cravings.

Other studies by the same researchers indicate another difference in obese people: Areas of the brain that process sensual signals about food from the mouth, lips, and tongue are more active than they are in normal-weight people. This raises the possibility that drugs that make food less palatable may help people lose weight despite sensory hot spots in the brain.
From Stopping Diabetes in Its Tracks
 
Must Read Should Everyone Read This? Yes! I vote for this story

Your Comments

See all

...

You will be asked to sign in or register to post a comment

Characters Remaining

Advertisement
 
Related Links
Daily Tip

“ Use your knuckle to rub your eyes. It's less likely to be contaminated with viruses than your fingertip. ”

Bonus Tip

“ Keep a bottle of water with you wherever you go and take sips throughout the day. The extra hydration will keep your nose moist and help you breathe and rest easier. ”


Advertisement