Surprising Cause of Overeating: It’s Not Enjoyment, Study Finds

A study from the University of California, Berkeley, finds that people who suffer from obesity may not overeat because they enjoy food, but rather the opposite. According to the researchers, reduced enjoyment from food may lead to mindless eating and weight gain. The study, published in the journal Nature, was initially conducted on mice and found that restoring levels of a brain protein called neurotensin could revive the sense of pleasure from food, thereby helping regulate eating. "Our findings suggest that restoring the enjoyment of eating — rather than suppressing it — may help people eat more mindfully and avoid habitual overeating," said Professor Stephan Lammel, head of the research team.

The researchers explain that the brain has an evolutionary reward system that motivates us to eat. However, when this mechanism is disrupted, people may eat out of boredom or habit rather than true enjoyment. Paradoxically, the loss of pleasure may actually lead to overeating. The researchers believe that understanding this brain mechanism could lead to the development of new obesity treatments that differ from current medications.

According to Lammel, restoring the sense of pleasure in eating can help people make more conscious food choices. He suggests that if you find yourself eating without awareness or genuine enjoyment, it might signal a shift in the brain’s reward system. Pausing during a meal and asking whether you're still enjoying the food can help identify eating patterns. Being mindful of whether cravings stem from true pleasure or habit can also improve your relationship with food. Additionally, noticing when you feel satisfied — not only full — can be beneficial.

"This study reminds us that food is not just fuel, but is tied to motivation and emotional enjoyment," Lammel concludes. "A deeper understanding of the brain-food connection could lead to new therapeutic approaches and help reduce the stigma surrounding obesity."