We've all experienced it: the aftermath of an exhausting workweek leaves us yearning for a colossal pizza and a tub of ice cream. Stress-induced eating often hampers our efforts to maintain a healthy body fat percentage.
Fortunately, the realm of science has come to our rescue once again! Researchers from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research may have unraveled the mystery behind our heightened cravings for calorie-rich, sugary, and fatty foods during periods of chronic stress.
Their study, conducted on mice, revealed the involvement of a brain region called the Lateral Habenula. This region typically suppresses the brain's reward response, acting as a deterrent against overeating. However, when the mice were subjected to chronic stress, this brain area remained inactive, allowing reward signals to persist and further stimulating their desire to eat for pleasure.
"Stressed mice on a high-fat diet consumed three times more sucralose than mice that were on a high-fat diet alone, suggesting that stress not only activates more reward when eating but specifically drives a craving for sweet, palatable food," says Professor Herzog.
Although more research is required to fully comprehend the relationship between stress and overeating, this study underscores the importance of incorporating stress reduction techniques into fat loss programs.
Here is the study link - https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(23)00383-5?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0896627323003835%3Fshowall%3Dtrue
Josh P
Co-Founder of R.D.A Strength Systems
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