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Cologne, Germany – Have you ever finished a large meal, felt completely full, yet still craved something sweet? Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Cologne have now uncovered the biological reason behind this puzzling phenomenon, often referred to as the “dessert stomach.”
According to the study, the same nerve cells responsible for signaling fullness also play a key role in triggering cravings for sweets. In both mice and humans, merely perceiving dessert can activate this neural pathway, leading to the release of the opiate ß-endorphin, which enhances the urge to consume sugar. This response has evolutionary roots—sugar provides a quick energy boost, making it a valuable resource for survival.
The Science Behind Sugar Cravings
To investigate this mechanism, researchers conducted experiments on mice. They found that even when the mice were fully satiated, they continued to consume sugary foods. Brain scans revealed that a group of nerve cells, known as POMC neurons, were responsible for this reaction. These neurons, upon detecting sugar, not only signaled satiety but also released ß-endorphin, a chemical associated with pleasure and reward.
Further studies showed that this opioid pathway was uniquely activated by sugar intake, but not by fatty or regular food consumption. Blocking the pathway in full mice prevented them from consuming additional sugar, though it had no effect on hungry mice. Additionally, just the perception of sugar—before any actual consumption—was enough to initiate this neural response. Even mice that had never consumed sugar before showed a release of ß-endorphin upon their first exposure.
Human Brain Response
Extending their study to humans, researchers administered a sugar solution to volunteers while monitoring their brain activity. The results mirrored those seen in mice—opiate receptors near satiety neurons were activated upon sugar intake.
Henning Fenselau, research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, explained, “From an evolutionary perspective, this makes sense: sugar is rare in nature, but provides quick energy. The brain is programmed to control the intake of sugar whenever it is available.”
Implications for Obesity Treatment
The study’s findings could have significant implications for obesity treatment. While drugs that block opiate receptors already exist, their impact on weight loss is limited compared to appetite-suppressing injections. Researchers believe that combining these medications or integrating them with other therapies could enhance their effectiveness. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these potential applications.
The study, titled “Thalamic opioids from POMC satiety neurons switch on sugar appetite,” was published in Science on February 13, 2025.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary or medical recommendations.
