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Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
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Neural Vulnerability Factors That Predict Future Weight Gain.

Eric Stice1, Sonja Yokum2

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. estice@stanford.edu.

Current Obesity Reports
|September 30, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Neural vulnerability theories for weight gain are reviewed. Evidence supports incentive sensitization theory, reward surfeit, inhibitory control deficit, and dynamic vulnerability models of obesity, while discounting reward deficit theory.

Keywords:
ObesityProspectiveReward circuitryWeight gainfMRI

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Obesity Research
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Weight gain is a complex issue with multiple proposed underlying mechanisms.
  • Understanding neural processes involved in weight gain is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review five neural vulnerability theories for weight gain.
  • To evaluate evidence from prospective studies and randomized experiments regarding these theories.

Main Methods:

  • Review of prospective imaging and behavioral studies.
  • Analysis of randomized experiments in humans and animals.
  • Assessment of neural function and plasticity related to weight change.

Main Results:

  • Strong support for the incentive sensitization theory of obesity.
  • Moderate support for reward surfeit, inhibitory control deficit, and dynamic vulnerability models.
  • Limited support for the reward deficit theory.

Conclusions:

  • Neural vulnerability theories offer valuable frameworks for understanding weight gain.
  • Incentive sensitization theory is strongly supported by current evidence.
  • Future research should focus on refining these models and exploring neural plasticity.