Does a lack of self-control lead to obesity or does obesity reduce self-...
Reciprocal relationship between obesity, lack of self-control: study Does a lack of self-control lead to obesity or does obesity reduce self-control? That question was at the centre of a new study by Western University which found a reciprocal connection between obesity and reduced self-control. Researchers looked at the structure and function activity in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain involved in decision making. They found the level of activity in that region can not only affect a person’s dietary choices, but can also influence it. Those with reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex may be prone to eat more, which can result in changes to the brain that can lead to overeating more in the future. “It’s not just the case that obesity is causing these issues in the brain structure and function, but it is this reciprocal relationship—that differences in brain structure and function can cause obesity, that’s really important,” Cassandra Lowe, study co-auth