Study Uncovers Neural Circuit Behind Sugar Cravings After Full Meals

Researchers identify brain cells that simultaneously signal satiety and drive sugar cravings, offering insights into overeating and potential obesity treatments.

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute discovered that POMC neurons in the brain trigger sugar cravings even when signaling fullness.
This mechanism, confirmed in both mice and humans, is specific to sugar and does not affect cravings for fatty foods.
The study reveals that POMC neurons release beta-endorphins, natural opioids, which drive sugar consumption after meals.
Human brain scans showed similar neural responses to sugar as observed in mice, suggesting a universal biological trait.
Findings could lead to new therapies for managing sugar intake and treating obesity by targeting this neural circuit.