Andy’s Quick Hits (220): Brain Networks and Weight Loss — or Not

Is weight loss all in the mind?

Well, with the danger of oversimplifying a complex topic, this latest research shows it is, and shows precisely how and with what networks. So, what did these researchers find?

The goal of this study was to measure the effectiveness of a behaviour-based weight loss intervention. This was carried out by Jonathon Burdette and his team — they had previously identified two networks that are related to weight loss. These, called Functional Network 1 and 2 in this study (FN1 or FN2) with FN1 a network related to sensory and motor control and FN2 related to attention and cognitive control.

Participants were scanned in resting state (while doing nothing) and then after completing a food-cue task. They then completed a 6 month programme for wight loss and their results measure and then compared to their brain scans. What did they find?

They found that those who failed to lose weight had higher activity in FN1 in the resting state and lower activity in FN2 after the foo-cue task. This suggests a higher natural desire to search out and find food in resting state and inhibited or lower emotional regulation. Control and focus in the presence of food.