Recent study indicates that there may be a connection between anxiety and obesity through interactions between the stomach and the brain, since both disorders are on the rise, particularly among younger Americans. The study, which was carried out on mice, relates diet-induced obesity to sensations of anxiety, changes in brain signaling, and variations in gut microorganisms that might potentially lead to compromised brain function.
“Several studies have pointed to a link between obesity and anxiety, though it is still unclear whether obesity directly causes anxiety or if the association is influenced by societal pressures. Our findings suggest that obesity can lead to anxiety-like behavior, possibly due to changes in both brain function and gut health,” Desiree Wanders, PhD, associate professor and chair of nutrition at Georgia State University.
The results will be presented by Wanders at NUTRITION 2025, the American Society for Nutrition’s premier annual meeting, which will take place in Orlando, Florida, from May 31 to June 3.
Obesity is known to increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but it is unclear how it may affect brain function. The researchers created a mouse model that develops many of the same obesity-related problems observed in people in order to investigate the relationships among obesity, cognitive performance, and anxiety.
There were thirty-two male mice in the research. Half of the mice were given a low-fat diet and the other half a high-fat diet between the ages of 6 and 21 weeks, which is the equivalent of adolescence into early adulthood in humans. Mice fed a high-fat diet at the conclusion of this time period had considerably higher body fat percentages and significantly higher weights than mice fed a low-fat diet.
In behavioral testing, the researchers discovered that, in contrast to lean mice, obese mice exhibited more anxiety-like behaviors, such as freezing, a protective characteristic mice express in response to perceived threats. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain involved in controlling metabolism, had distinct signaling patterns in these mice as well, which may have contributed to cognitive deficits.
Furthermore, the composition of intestinal bacteria in obese and lean mice differed significantly, according to the researchers. These results are consistent with an increasing amount of data suggesting that the gut microbiota plays a part in behavior regulation.
The findings, according to Wanders, offer fresh perspectives that highlight the significance of focusing on several systems in order to comprehend and maybe cure obesity-related cognitive deficits, even if he acknowledged that research conducted on mice does not always translate directly to people.
“These findings could have important implications for both public health and personal decisions,” stated Wanders. “The study highlights the potential impact of obesity on mental health, particularly in terms of anxiety. By understanding the connections between diet, brain health and gut microbiota, this research may help guide public health initiatives that focus on obesity prevention and early intervention, particularly in children and adolescents.”
Wanders also noted that the carefully controlled conditions used in the study lend rigor and credibility to the results but added that the real world is much more complex.
“While our findings suggest that diet plays a significant role in both physical and mental health, it is important to remember that diet is just one piece of the puzzle,” stated Wanders. “Environmental factors, genetics, lifestyle choices and socioeconomic status also contribute to the risk of obesity and its associated health outcomes. Therefore, while these results are important, they should be considered in the context of a broader, multifactorial approach to understanding and addressing obesity-related cognitive impairments and mental health issues.”
The researchers then intend to delve further into the alterations in the gut microbiota and broaden their study to include female mice and other age groups in order to better investigate the mechanisms via which diet-induced obesity impacts the brain and behavior. It would be helpful to ascertain whether weight reduction therapies might undo the effects, Wanders continued.
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