Overview

• 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.