Impact of Comfort Food on Weight Gain During Stress

Overview of the Study

A recent study conducted at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research explored the effects of consuming comfort food during stressful situations. While it is widely recognized that high-calorie foods can negatively impact health, this research, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, specifically examined how these foods influence weight gain under stress.

Research Insights

Led by Professor Herbert Herzog, the head of the Eating Disorders Laboratory at the Garvan Institute, the study used an animal model to determine the relationship between high-calorie intake and stress. The findings indicated that stress combined with a high-calorie diet resulted in greater weight gain compared to consuming the same diet in a non-stressful environment. The researchers identified a molecular pathway in the brain, regulated by insulin, as a key factor driving this additional weight gain.

Brain Mechanisms Involved

The researchers focused on various brain regions in mice, particularly the hypothalamus, which is known to regulate food intake. They also examined the amygdala, a region that processes emotional responses, including anxiety. Over time, it was observed that mice subjected to stress alongside high-calorie foods gained weight more rapidly than those in a stress-free setting.

The Role of NPY in Weight Gain

A significant finding of the study was the role of a molecule called NPY, which is produced by the brain during stress and is known to increase appetite in both mice and humans. The researchers analyzed the nerve cells in the amygdala that produce NPY to better understand its regulation during stress. They discovered insulin receptors within the amygdala, which play a vital role in food intake regulation.

Insulin’s Influence During Stress

Typically, after eating, the body produces insulin to help absorb glucose and signal the hypothalamus to stop eating. However, the study revealed that during prolonged stress, insulin levels rose slightly. When combined with high-calorie food intake, insulin levels surged to ten times higher than normal. This prolonged exposure to elevated insulin caused the nerve cells in the amygdala to become desensitized, impairing their ability to detect insulin. As a result, these desensitized cells increased NPY levels, promoting overeating and reducing energy expenditure.

Conclusion and Implications

While it is well-known that insulin affects various diseases, this study suggests that its impact on the brain may be more significant than previously understood. The findings highlight the complex interplay between stress, diet, and weight management.

References

Ip, C.H. et al 2019. Amygdala NPY Circuits Promote the Development of Accelerated Obesity under Chronic Stress Conditions. Cell Metabolism.
Eurekalert. 2019. Comfort food leads to more weight gain during stress. [Online]. [9 June 2019]. Available from: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-04/giom-cfl041619.php

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