Amodal brain activation and functional connectivity in response to high-energy-density food cues in obesity

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2014 Nov;22(11):2370-8. doi: 10.1002/oby.20859. Epub 2014 Aug 7.

Abstract

Objective: The obesogenic environment is pervasive, yet only some people become obese. The aim was to investigate whether obese individuals show differential neural responses to visual and auditory food cues, independent of cue modality.

Methods: Obese (BMI 29-41, n = 10) and lean (BMI 20-24, n = 10) females underwent fMRI scanning during presentation of auditory (spoken word) and visual (photograph) cues representing high-energy-density (ED) and low-ED foods. The effect of obesity on whole-brain activation, and on functional connectivity with the midbrain/VTA, was examined.

Results: Obese compared with lean women showed greater modality-independent activation of the midbrain/VTA and putamen in response to high-ED (vs. low-ED) cues, as well as relatively greater functional connectivity between the midbrain/VTA and cerebellum (P < 0.05 corrected).

Conclusions: Heightened modality-independent responses to food cues within the midbrain/VTA and putamen, and altered functional connectivity between the midbrain/VTA and cerebellum, could contribute to excessive food intake in obese individuals.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation
  • Adult
  • Brain / anatomy & histology
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Cues*
  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Female
  • Food*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Nerve Net / physiology*
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • Obesity / psychology*
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Thinness / physiopathology
  • Thinness / psychology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats