Why Overeating May Feel Less Rewarding Over Time
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Introduction
Many of us turn to high-calorie foods like sweets and snacks for comfort or pleasure. These foods trigger reward centers in the brain, making us feel good. But new research suggests that eating too much of these foods over time may actually reduce the pleasure they bring. This change in how the brain reacts to food could help explain patterns seen in obesity.
Pleasure from Food Can Fade
The brain has a reward system that makes eating enjoyable. A key part of this system involves the connection between two brain areas called the nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area. Normally, when we eat something delicious, this pathway is activated, and we feel pleasure.
However, when someone eats a high-fat diet regularly, this brain pathway becomes less responsive. The food might still be consumed, but the feeling of enjoyment weakens. This is known as “hedonic devaluation”—when the joy we get from something gradually fades.
Why This Matters in Obesity
This shift in brain response may lead people to eat more in search of the same satisfaction. But instead of feeling full or happy, they may feel less rewarded and continue eating anyway. Over time, this can lead to weight gain and make it harder to stop.
Interestingly, this effect is not permanent. When individuals or animals are switched back to a healthy diet, the pleasure response can start to recover. This shows the brain can adjust, and habits can be changed with time.
One Key Player: Neurotensin
The research highlights a brain chemical called neurotensin, which plays a big role in this reward process. In people with a regular diet, neurotensin helps boost the feeling of pleasure from eating. But with a high-fat diet, levels of neurotensin drop, and so does the enjoyment from food. When scientists boosted neurotensin in the brain, the pleasure from eating came back—even in those on a high-fat diet.
What This Means for Health
Understanding how the brain reacts to food helps explain why healthy eating habits matter. It’s not just about willpower or cravings—our brain chemistry plays a big role. If pleasure from food decreases, we might eat more without feeling better. But the good news is, this can change. Returning to balanced meals and limiting fatty junk food may help reset the brain’s reward system.
Conclusion
Eating high-fat, high-calorie foods for long periods may reduce the pleasure they once brought. This can create a cycle of overeating without satisfaction. But by making healthier choices and giving the brain time to readjust, it’s possible to regain a better relationship with food—and feel good about eating again.