Study links overeating to emotions

UPTON, N.Y., Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Researchers at Brookhaven National Lab in Upton, N.Y., report evidence linking the brain and stomach with emotions to cause overeating and obesity.

By looking at how the human brain responds to "fullness" messages sent to the brain by an implanted device, the scientists have identified brain circuits that motivate the desire to overeat. The study says these circuits are the same that make addicted people crave drugs.

The scientists have also verified that these circuits play a critical role in eating behaviors linked to soothing negative emotions.

The study appears in the Oct. 17 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.