Reward mechanisms in obesity: new insights and future directions

Kenny (2011) states that while humans consume food to keep energy levels balanced for optimal functioning, palatable food is also eaten due to its pleasure-inducing properties, which is what leads to excessive caloric intakes relative to requirements, and significantly contributes to the growing obesity problem in developed countries. Since little is known about the pleasure-related (hedonic) brain systems that affect food intake, compared with the knowledge on homeostatic mechanisms of feeding, this review presents the recent progress made in the understanding of these brain circuitries that control hedonic aspects of eating behaviors. The author also points out that certain brain circuitries stimulated by the uncontrolled intake of palatable foods are similar to those seen to be involved in drugs of abuse. Evidence has emerged suggesting that obesity and drug addiction may share common hedonic mechanisms. Those genetically vulnerable to drug addiction may be at greater risk of developing obesity. [NPID: mood, pleasure, palatable food, hedonic, drug addiction, addiction, obesity]

Year: 2011

Reference: Kenny P. J. (2011). Reward mechanisms in obesity: new insights and future directions. Neuron, 69(4), 664–679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2011.02.016