How obesity affects brain function. What is important to know
NewsWith obesity, not only the body changes, but also the work of many organs and body systems is disrupted.
- Today we will talk about how this affects the work of the brain.
First of all, the functions of the centers of hunger, satiety and the reward system are changing. And the longer a person lives with excess weight, the more difficult it is for the body to "hear itself."
Let's take a closer look.
Violation of the saturation signal.
Normally, the stomach, stretching from food, sends a signal to the brain — "I'm full." This signal is transmitted through hormones: leptin, GLP-1, insulin.
- But with obesity, the body produces too much leptin and stops responding to it. This is called leptin resistance.
That is: there is a lot of food, there are signals, but the brain ignores them.
As a result, a person is still hungry even after a large portion.
Failures in the dopamine system.
Food activates the dopamine system of the brain. This is the one that is responsible for pleasure and motivation.
- With chronic overeating, dopamine receptors are dulled. It's like an addiction: the brain constantly needs something tastier, fatter, sweeter.
It is important to know: this is not just a weakness of the will, but an altered neurochemistry (chemical and cellular mechanisms of the nervous system).
Insulin and the brain.
Insulin controls blood sugar levels. But it is also involved in the regulation of appetite.
With insulin resistance (which often accompanies obesity), this mechanism is disrupted: the brain does not "see" that there is enough glucose and continues to feel hungry.
Therefore:
- you are not satiated in time,
- you are attracted to junk food,
- after eating, there is no feeling of satisfaction,
- fatigue, anxiety and sleep disorders are also a frequent consequence of neurohormonal imbalance.
One of the most effective methods of solving this problem is bariatric surgery.
This is not just a decrease in the volume of the stomach — it is the regulation of the hormonal system.
- The level of leptin, ghrelin, insulin changes.
- Saturation signals are returned.
- Eating behavior becomes manageable.
If you feel that you are gaining weight and cannot control your appetite, this is not your weakness, but a signal that the body has failed, and you need to contact specialists.
You can make an appointment for a consultation at the Bariatric Surgery Center at the Pavlov MCSC branch:
- +7 (903) 509 77 89
- Akademika Pavlova str., 22
Be healthy!
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