A diet used in animal research that includes human foods high in palatability, including sugar, salt, spices, and contents (e.g., biscuits, wafers, condensed milk, sausages, and soft drinks) that have consistently been shown to increase body weight. This Cafeteria Diet is adapted from a human diet known as the “Western Diet” and mimics modern patterns of human food consumption (de Macedo, 2016). Used in research employing ‘ad libitum’ conditions.

Calorie restriction refers to the practice of reducing calorie intake while still maintaining essential nutrient intake for optimal health. This dietary approach involves consuming fewer calories than what is typically recommended for weight maintenance or daily energy expenditure.

Carbohydrates are organic compounds (i.e., carbon-based compounds) consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They serve as a primary source of energy for living organisms. Carbohydrates can be simple sugars like glucose and fructose and complex molecules like starch and fiber in foods such as grains, fruits, and vegetables.

The central nervous system (CNS) is the body’s command center, consisting of the brain and spinal cord. It receives, processes, transfers information, and regulates all bodily functions (Farley et al., 2014).

Innate and learned physiological reactions to sensory signals that prepare the gastrointestinal tract for the optimal processing of ingested foods (Smeets, 2010).

The outermost convoluted surface layer of the brain, the primary function of which is to coordinate sensory and motor information.

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a type of gut hormone that is released after a meal, helps digestion, and reduces appetite (Gribble & Reimann, 2016).

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged and sustained inflammatory response that can last weeks, months, or even years. Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation can be persistent and unresolved, leading to tissue damage and dysfunction.

Chronic Stress is a long-term and persistent stress that results from continuous exposure to stressors. Unlike acute stress, chronic stress can have negative effects on both physical and mental health over an extended period.

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in weather patterns and temperatures on Earth, often attributed to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It leads to various environmental impacts, including rising global temperatures, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changes in precipitation patterns.