A new cause of increased sugar cravings has been found

Sweet trap: scientists discovered why we overeat when watching others eat

During a unique experiment, researchers from Baylor College of Medicine found that observing others eating sweets can trigger overeating even in a satiated person. This effect is directly linked to the brain's dopamine system. The results of the study, shedding light on the mechanisms of eating behavior, were published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Communications.

Scientists conducted a series of experiments, dividing the test mice into hungry and satiated groups. The animals were placed so that they could observe their fellow mice but not interact with them. Interestingly, satiated mice remained completely indifferent when their neighbors ate regular food or fatty food. However, the situation changed dramatically when sweets were being eaten nearby – even completely satiated rodents immediately began to eat.

The phenomenon completely disappeared after the administration of drugs that block dopamine receptors. Researchers found that D1 and D2 receptors play a key role in stimulating appetite when observing others eating, triggering the reward mechanism in the brain.

"When D1 and D2 are activated, the brain receives a signal: 'This is pleasant, repeat it.' Simply observing someone eating can provoke overeating, even if you are not physically hungry," explained the study leader Dr. Yong Xu.

Scientists emphasize that in the modern world, tempting images of food surround people everywhere - in advertising, social media, and on screens. Understanding how visual and social stimuli affect behavior could be a step toward forming healthier habits and creating new ways to combat overeating.