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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
04:48
Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Is your brain to blame for weight regain?
1Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. marc.cornier@ucdenver.edu
Physiology & Behavior
|April 19, 2011
Summary
Maintaining weight loss is challenging due to biological mechanisms favoring regain. The body actively promotes increased energy intake and reduced expenditure after weight loss, hindering long-term success.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Obesity is a global health crisis with significant co-morbidities.
- Long-term weight loss maintenance is difficult despite known health benefits.
- Biological mechanisms inherently promote weight regain after loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review central regulation adaptations in energy intake post-weight loss.
- To examine changes in peripheral appetite signals.
- To analyze neuroimaging data on brain responses to weight loss.
Main Methods:
- Review of human studies on weight loss adaptations.
- Analysis of peripheral appetite-related signals (e.g., leptin).
- Examination of neuroimaging studies on brain responses to food cues.
Main Results:
- Weight-reduced state involves reduced energy expenditure and altered metabolism.
- Appetite regulation is dysregulated, with increased hunger and reduced satiety.
- Altered peripheral signals and central neural responses to food cues promote energy intake.
Conclusions:
- The weight-reduced state creates a biological milieu that favors weight regain.
- Dysregulation of energy balance is a primary obstacle in obesity treatment.
- Understanding these adaptations is crucial for developing effective weight management strategies.
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