Hypothalamus is different in people who are overweight

Written By : Isra Zaman

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2023-08-11 03:30 GMT | Update On 2023-08-11 03:30 GMT

Cambridge scientists have shown that the hypothalamus, a key region of the brain involved in controlling appetite, is different in the brains of people who are overweight and people with obesity when compared to people who are a healthy weight. The researchers say their findings add further evidence to the relevance of brain structure to weight and food consumption.

They used an algorithm developed using machine learning to analyse MRI brain scans taken from 1,351 young adults across a range of BMI scores, looking for differences in the hypothalamus when comparing individuals who are underweight, healthy weight, overweight and living with obesity.

In a study published today in Neuroimage: Clinical, the team found that the overall volume of the hypothalamus was significantly larger in the overweight and obese groups of young adults. In fact, the team found a significant relationship between the volume of the hypothalamus and body mass index (BMI).

These volume differences were most apparent in those sub-regions of the hypothalamus that control appetite through the release of hormones to balance hunger and fullness. While the precise significance of the finding is unclear – including whether the structural changes are a cause or a consequence of the changes in body weight – one possibility is that the change relates to inflammation.

Reference: Brown, SSG, et al. Hypothalamic volume is associated with body mass index. Neuroimage: Clinical; 8 Aug 2023; DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103478

Full View

Article Source : Neuroimage: Clinical

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Isra Zaman

Isra Zaman is a Life Science graduate from Daulat Ram College, Delhi University, and a postgraduate in Biotechnology from Amity University. She has a flair for writing, and her roles at Medicaldialogues include that of a Sr. content writer and a medical correspondent. Her news pieces cover recent discoveries and updates from the health and medicine sector. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Hypothalamus is different in people who are overweight

Similar News

Artificial Sweeteners Could Speed Up Brain Aging by 1.6 Years: Study Finds

Head Injuries May Raise Brain Cancer Risk: Major Studies Reveal

Tiny Gold Nanoparticles Show Promise For Early Parkinson's Disease Detection: Study Suggests

New 2025 Hypertension Guidelines Released with Stronger Focus on Brain Health and Early Intervention

Women with Down Syndrome More Vulnerable to Alzheimer's Than Men: Study Finds

Multiple Sclerosis May Begin 15 Years Earlier with Subtle Symptoms: Study Suggests

Can This Common Diabetes Drug Prevent Stroke? Emerging Data Suggests Strong Link

Study Shows Poor Sleep Habits May Be Linked to 172 Diseases