For this study researchers studied some obese mice so that they could find a link between the performance of the brain to the habits of overeating and obesity. The result, in the obese rats found an increase in the number of nerve endings CB1 receptors or cannabinoid, especially in parts of the brain that normally inhibits the release of orexin, a peptide compound that makes a person feel hungry.
As a result, the body produces more of endocannabinoids that makes a person constantly feel hungry. According to one researcher, Ken Mackie, the endocannabinoid system is one of the neurochemical systems responsible for the regulation of appetite in the brain. This system contains a number of receptors and chemical compounds are suspected to be similar to marijuana (is addictive).
"When we experience weight gain, changes in cell-cell signaling in the hypothalamus that exist so that they will be releasing orexin. Unfortunately with this orexin, the brain tells the body to eat more, instead of asking the body to maintain body weight healthy, "said Mackie, a professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA.
In addition, a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is also found elevated levels of the hunger-regulating hormone called leptin when the person concerned are obese.
"In fact, when hormone levels are elevated in the long term the brain cells become less sensitive to a variety of weight loss efforts that people are concerned. Conditions also contribute to the higher release of orexin the brain," said Mackie as reported Emaxhealth, Thursday (02/05/2013).
So what to do when faced with such a situation?
- If you find it difficult to stop eating because of hungry, choose foods that are filling. For example, vegetables, fiber-containing popcorn and continue to drink water to keep hydrated.
- Consider joining a community struggling with excessive eating habits (overeating). It could also look for friends who are both trying to diet.
- Make a target and say to yourself about the importance of reducing food consumption on your health. If you relapse again today, just reduce your food intake the next day.
- Rush to lose weight if you are caught having a gain of 2-3 pounds by reducing your calorie intake and increase exercise levels. Procrastination will make your diet more difficult to lose weight due to changes in the brain as the study found.
- Do not snack or eat in the evening. Conversely, if you eat breakfast in the morning it will relieve your evening snacking habits.