Specific Neural Circuits Linked To Binge Eating Behavior In Mice, Study Suggests.

eports researchers have “identified neural circuits in the brain’s pleasure center that can inhibit binge-like behavior in mice,” according to a new study published in Biological Psychiatry. The researchers suggest that a serotonin 2C agonist drug, could be used to treat the disorder by activating certain neurons to inhibit binge eating. GIVE IT TO ME PLEASE Binge eating IS in the brain: Study confirms food addicts have a 'numbed' pleasure center - and stimulating certain neurons could stop overeating New study has mapped out what happens in brain of binge eaters Previous research suggested brain's pleasure center was numbed Now scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have confirmed that And they claim an FDA-approved drug could combat the disorder Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3729578/Binge-eating-brain-Study-confirms-food-addicts-numbed-pleasure-center-stimulating-certain-neurons-stop-overeating.html#ixzz4GqTJJGzR Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3729578/Binge-eating-brain-Study-confirms-food-addicts-numbed-pleasure-center-stimulating-certain-neurons-stop-overeating.html Previous studies have theorized that people who binge eat have irregular levels of dopamine in their brains. Dopamine is a molecule that stimulates pleasure in the brain. It was once referred to by clinical psychologist Vaughan Bell as the 'Kim Kardashian of molecules'. When hunger strikes for healthy people who do not binge, the brain generates positive memories of food, to produce cravings. Our brains are programmed to seek out things that aid our survival - such as eating, sleeping, and drinking. When we get food, the brain rewards us by releasing chemicals into the pleasure center - such as dopamines. Once we have eaten enough, the brain stops flooding the pleasure center with dopamines. The idea is that people who binge eat have built up a tolerance; a healthy amount of food will not be enough to stimulate pleasure. Studying their brain function, they identified a neural circuit where a group of serotonin neurons project to and activate dopamine neurons. They showed that activation of this circuit can inhibit binge-like eating behavior in mice. There are 14 potential receptors that control the complex effects of serotonin in the body. Xu and colleagues identified a specific receptor that is important in binge-like eating behavior. They determined that the serotonin 2C receptor, which is expressed by dopamine neurons, is important in suppressing binge eating. Xu noted that an FDA-approved drug, a serotonin 2C agonist, is currently being used as a treatment for overweight and obese adults and could potentially be repurposed to suppress binge eating in adults. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3729578/Binge-eating-brain-Study-confirms-food-addicts-numbed-pleasure-center-stimulating-certain-neurons-stop-overeating.html#ixzz4GqUTZPuo Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook