Why is there a greater tendency for overweight people to indulge in sweets?

Scientists at Stony Brook University have determined why some people cannot resist sweets and perceive the taste of sugar less than others, as reported by Daryo.

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According to the research findings, this is caused by neurosteroids.

Neurosteroids are a group of steroid substances that directly affect the central nervous system and participate in regulating the functions of nerve cells. They are considered to regulate stress levels and mood.

An increase in such compounds in the body may reduce sensitivity to sweet taste. As a result, individuals may consume more sweet products than they realize. This research was conducted in a laboratory on mice, as their taste receptors are similar to those of humans.

Scientists have conducted more scientific research on the neurosteroid allopregnanolone, as this substance is observed at higher levels in overweight individuals.

As a result, it was determined that allopregnanolone affects GABA receptors (gamma-aminobutyric acid) responsible for transmitting signals in the brain.

GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system.

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By administering allopregnanolone to animals via injection, a decrease in their ability to distinguish sweet taste was observed. That is, when the effect of GABA receptors was blocked, the mice stopped being able to perceive the difference between sweet and plain water.

The obtained data indicate that the decrease in taste sensitivity may be related to changes in the activity of GABA receptors. If the level of neurosteroids in the body increases, the sense of taste diminishes, which leads individuals to consume more sugar to compensate for the lack of enjoyment from food. Over time, this leads to a disruption of eating patterns and weight gain.

Additionally, taste sensitivity is influenced not only by neurosteroids but also by the long-term consumption of alcoholic beverages and certain tranquilizers. They reduce the activity of GABA receptors and impair the ability to perceive taste signals.

This research explains why overweight individuals have a heightened desire for sweets. Furthermore, this information could serve as a basis for developing new methods to combat obesity.