Variability in reward responsivity and obesity: evidence from brain imaging studies.

ABSTRACT: Advances in neuroimaging techniques have provided insight into the role of the brain in the regulation of food intake and weight. Growing evidence demonstrate that energy dense, palatable foods elicit similar responses in reward-related brain regions that mimic those of addictive substances. Currently, various models of obesity's relation to reward from food have been theorized. There is evidence to support a theory of hypo-responsivity of reward regions to food, where individuals consume excess amounts to overcome this reward deficit. There is also data to support a theory of hyper-responsivity of reward regions, where individuals who experience greater reward from food intake are at risk for overeating. However, these seemingly discordant theories are static in nature and do not account

SUBMITTER: Burger KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3462740 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature