Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Divergence of Root Microbiota in Different Habitats based on Weighted Correlation Networks
Published on: September 25, 2021
Neurocognitive and Hormonal Correlates of Voluntary Weight Loss in Humans
Selin Neseliler1, Wen Hu2, Kevin Larcher1
1Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada.
Abstract:
Insufficient responses to hypocaloric diets have been attributed to hormonal adaptations that override self-control of food intake. We tested this hypothesis by measuring circulating energy-balance hormones and brain functional magnetic resonance imaging reactivity to food cues in 24 overweight/obese participants before, and 1 and 3 months after starting a calorie restriction diet. Increased activity and functional connectivity in prefrontal regions at month 1 correlated with weight loss at months 1 and 3. Weight loss was also correlated with increased plasma ghrelin and decreased leptin, and these changes were associated with food cue reactivity in reward-related brain regions. However, the reduction in leptin did not counteract weight loss; indeed, it was correlated with further weight loss at month 3. Activation in prefrontal regions associated with self-control could contribute to successful weight loss and maintenance. This work supports the role of higher-level cognitive brain function in body-weight regulation in humans.
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal Regulation
Hormonal Regulation
Correlation and Causation
Correlation versus Causation
If the dependent variable increases or decreases when the independent variable increases, there is a positive or negative...
Types of Hormones
Plant Hormones
Correlations

