How to manage hunger

Scientists have found a “site” in the human brain that, when influenced, can control appetite.

An interesting discovery was made by employees of the California Institute of Technology. Scientists discovered an unexpected relationship while experimenting with mice. Using laser beams, neurons in the amygdala were stimulated in animals. This part of the brain is associated with emotions such as fear and stress. Experts found that as a result of stimulation of this area, the experimental rodents stopped eating.

Study author David Anderson marvels at the subtle and precise relationship. According to him, the impulse to this zone worked like a “switch” of appetite.

Scientists, exposing mice to certain chemicals, imitated the rodents' feelings of satiety, nausea, malaise, and so on. In all cases, neurons in the amygdala were active, suggesting that these neurons influence food consumption.

Experts are confident that similar cells exist in the human brain. Scientists are already predicting a positive impact of this discovery on the treatment of all eating disorders, including anorexia.