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Obesity, Appetite, and the Prefrontal Cortex

  • Metabolism (CJ Billington, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Obesity Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Obesity is a chronic illness and its prevalence is growing worldwide and numerous factors play a role in the regulation of food intake. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is involved in high-order executive function, regulation of limbic reward regions, and the inhibition of impulsive behaviors. Understanding the role of the PFC in the control of appetite regulation may contribute to a greater understanding of the etiology of obesity and could improve weight loss outcomes.

Recent Findings

Neuroimaging studies have identified lower activation in the left dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC) in obese compared to lean individuals and others have focused on efforts to improve cognitive control in this area of the brain. The DLPFC is a critical brain area associated with appetitive control, food craving, and executive functioning, indicating a candidate target area for treatment.

Summary

Further studies are needed to advance our understanding of the relationship between obesity, appetite, and the DLPFC and provide validation for the effectiveness of novel treatments in clinical populations.

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  1. Obesity and Diabetes Clinical Research Section, Phoenix Epidemiology and Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 4212 North 16th Street, Room 541, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA

    Marci E. Gluck, Pooja Viswanath & Emma J. Stinson

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  1. Marci E. Gluck
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Marci E. Gluck, Pooja Viswanath, and Emma J. Stinson declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Gluck, M.E., Viswanath, P. & Stinson, E.J. Obesity, Appetite, and the Prefrontal Cortex. Curr Obes Rep 6, 380–388 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-017-0289-0

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