An analysis of brain scans has revealed that overweight people tend to have larger hypothalami, the key organ in the brain responsible for regulating hunger. The hypothalamus, approximately the size of an almond, plays a crucial role in controlling vital body processes such as body temperature, water retention, sex drive, and the release of oxytocin. MRI scans of over 1,300 individuals indicated a correlation between higher body mass index (BMI) and a larger hypothalamus.
Dr. Stephanie Brown from the University of Cambridge acknowledges that the connection between the hypothalamus and body weight has been recognized for some time, but its specific role and potential for weight control remain uncertain. The Cambridge team developed an imaging technique that allowed for a clearer view of the hypothalamus, enabling a better understanding of its link to BMI. Whether being overweight causes hypothalamic enlargement or if individuals with naturally larger hypothalami are prone to weight gain is still unknown.
Animal studies have demonstrated that a high-fat diet can trigger inflammatory processes in the hypothalamus in as little as three days, according to Dr. Brown. She suggests that a poor diet could potentially lead to hypothalamic inflammation, creating a vicious cycle that dysregulates appetite. Additionally, some individuals may have naturally larger hypothalami from an early age, making it difficult to regulate their appetites.
While the exact influence of the hypothalamus on weight is still unknown, the Cambridge team suggests that targeting a swollen hypothalamus through diet and medication may help reduce overactive appetites. Dr. Brown expresses optimism about further understanding these brain changes in order to develop effective treatments that could contribute to reducing obesity-related health conditions. She notes that weight-loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy, which suppress appetite, exert their effects through the hypothalamus and could potentially assist in shrinking an enlarged hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus, as a key region for appetite regulation, communicates and responds to signals and hormones from the gut. Dr. Brown suggests that treatments acting peripherally in the body, rather than directly in the brain, could also impact hypothalamic function and structure over time. The study, published in the journal Neuroimage: Clinical, sheds light on the potential connections between the brain and weight regulation.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
