Food and Behaviour Research

Donate Log In

ADHD, Autism and the SEND Support Crisis: Rethinking the Role of Food and Nutrition with Dr Rachel Gow - BOOK HERE

A short-term, high-caloric diet has prolonged effects on brain insulin action in men

Kullmann S, Wagner L, Hauffe R, Kühnel A, Sandforth L, Veit R, Dannecker C, Machann J, Fritsche A, Stefan N, Preissl H, Kroemer N, Heni M, Kleinridders A, Birkenfeld A (2025) Nat Metab Mar;7(3):469-477 doi: 10.1038/s42255-025-01226-9.  

Web URL: Read this research on pubmed

Abstract:

Brain insulin responsiveness is linked to long-term weight gain and unhealthy body fat distribution. Here we show that short-term overeating with calorie-rich sweet and fatty foods triggers liver fat accumulation and disrupted brain insulin action that outlasted the time-frame of its consumption in healthy weight men. Hence, brain response to insulin can adapt to short-term changes in diet before weight gain and may facilitate the development of obesity and associated diseases.