Hedonistic polyphagia as a cause of obesity: when the brain does not control the body

Obesity is the result of an interplay of genetic, epigenetic, psychological, social and many other factors. The main cause of obesity is the consumption of excess calories in excess of the body’s energy expenditure. Food intake is regulated by two complementary factors: homeostatic and hedonic pathways. The homeostatic pathway is activated in conditions of depleted energy reserves, increasing the motivation to eat. The pleasure-based hedonic mechanism increases food intake during energy periods, in extreme cases causing an addiction-like state. The article discusses the mechanisms of food intake regulation, their interaction, evidence of food addiction and the reasons for the increased role of hedonic appetite regulation in the obesity epidemic. © 2022, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.