Blame a Gut Bacteria for Your Compulsive Eating, Obesity

FENS Forum 2024 Unveils New Findings

Worried about your food addiction? You might find solace in the latest research suggesting that gut bacteria play a significant role in compulsive eating and obesity. An international team of researchers has identified specific gut bacteria associated with both mice and human compulsive eating disorders, as well as obesity.

Presented on Thursday at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum 2024, this groundbreaking study sheds light on the previously obscure mechanisms underlying food addiction. The findings, also published in the journal Gut, could pave the way for potential new treatments targeting this obesity-related behavior.

“Potential new treatments could involve using beneficial bacteria and dietary supplementation,” said Rafael Maldonado from the Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-NeuroPhar at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain.

In their study, the researchers investigated gut bacteria in both food-addicted and non-addicted mice. They discovered an increase in bacteria from the Proteobacteria phylum and a decrease in bacteria from the Actinobacteria phylum in the food-addicted mice. Additionally, these mice showed a reduction in Blautia bacteria from the Bacillota phylum.

Interestingly, similar patterns were observed in humans with food addiction. A decrease in the Actinobacteria phylum and Blautia, alongside an increase in the Proteobacteria phylum, were noted among individuals struggling with food addiction.

“The findings in both mice and humans suggested that specific microbiota could be protective in preventing food addiction,” said Elena Martin-Garcia from the same institution.

These insights offer a promising avenue for developing new treatments for food addiction and obesity, focusing on beneficial bacteria and dietary interventions. As researchers continue to explore the complex relationship between gut microbiota and eating behaviors, the potential for innovative therapies grows, bringing hope to those battling compulsive eating and obesity.