14 DAY TRIAL // In a new report, a team of scientists with the University of Georgia, Washington State University and Binghamton University propose an explanation for why it is that people who are hooked on junk food often have a rather difficult time ditching this diet in favor of healthier dishes.
Besides, the researchers, led by University of Georgia specialist Krzysztof Czaja, think to have figured out why overeating is quite common among people who prefer junk food to healthy alternatives.
Junk food rewires the brain, also affects gut bacteria
Having carried out a series of experiments on laboratory rats, scientist Krzysztof Czaja and fellow researchers found evidence that high-fat foods change gut bacteria populations and cause inflammation in brain regions previously shown to be involved in appetite control.
The specialists argue that, because of these changes, the brain can no longer process signals for fullness quite as efficiently. In turn, this translates into overeating and, fairly often, weight gain and health trouble, EurekAlert explains.
“The brain is changed by eating unbalanced foods. It induces inflammation in the brain regions responsible for feeding behavior. Those reorganized circuits and inflammation may alter satiety signaling,” researcher Krzysztof Czaja commented on these findings in an interview.
As for the effect high-fat foods have on gut bacteria populations, the scientists suspect that, simply by killing off certain species and allowing others to thrive, French fries and other such treats damage gut nerve cells meant to signal the brain.
With these nerve cells experiencing inflammation as well, the brain has an even more difficult time figuring out that the stomach is full. Hence, people go on eating, simply because their brain can no longer recognize satiety and react by reducing appetite.
The scientists plan to further investigate the issue
As mentioned, the research team base their claims on the outcome of experiments they carried out on rats. The next logical step would be to verify that their finds do, in fact, hold true for people as well.
Further, the scientists say that they want to try and figure out whether these changes that high-fat foods trigger in brain circuitry and gut bacteria populations are permanent or can be reversed.