Hypothalamus

New research sheds light on a significant correlation between disrupted neural connections in brain circuits responsible for memory and appetite regulation and an individual's body mass index (BMI). This relationship is particularly pronounced among individuals grappling with disorders related to eating behavior, such as binge eating disorder (BED), which can ultimately culminate in obesity. The study highlights a crucial finding: those with obesity tend to exhibit impaired connections between two vital brain regions, the dorsolateral hippocampus (dlHPC) and the lateral hypothalamus (LH). This impairment may have implications for their capacity to manage and control emotional responses when confronted with the prospect of indulging in rewarding meals or treats.