It really IS harder to say no to cake when you're fat, finds study of obese ... trends now
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For some people, turning down a chocolate biscuit or piece of cake seems relatively easy while for others, it's an enormous mental battle.
Now, experts have discovered that people with a higher BMI really do require a bigger shift in brain activity to choose healthy food over their preferred snack.
Researchers from Queen's University in Ontario analysed data from three MRI studies involving 123 participants who indicated what they would prefer to eat in different scenarios.
They compared brain activity patterns displayed when participants chose after being instructed to focus on healthy eating.
Experts have discovered that people with a higher BMI really do require a bigger shift in brain activity to choose healthy food over their preferred snack. Researchers from Queen's University in Ontario analysed data from three MRI studies involving 123 participants who indicated what they would prefer to eat in different scenarios
Analysis revealed that people who were better able to regulate their dietary choices required relatively small shifts in brain states to achieve their goal – and this was highly apparent in individuals with low BMI.
However, participants with a high BMI could not rely on this mechanism and required larger shifts in brain activity to make healthy food choices.
Writing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of
