Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Texas have discovered a new reason behind sweet cravings.
Their study found that watching others eat can activate the brain’s dopamine system and increase the urge to eat — but only for sweet foods.
In experiments, mice who were already full began eating again after seeing their peers consume sweets. No such reaction occurred with regular or fatty foods.
The key was the D1 and D2 dopamine receptors. When these were blocked, the effect disappeared.
Lead author Dr. Yong Xu explained that the brain sends a signal: “This feels good, do it again,” even if the body isn’t physically hungry.
He noted that in today’s world, people constantly see food imagery — in ads, on screens, in social media — which may subconsciously trigger overeating.
Understanding these visual and social triggers could be crucial for developing healthier habits and combating overconsumption.
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