Recent findings from a European study reveal that just five days of overeating can condition the brain for unhealthy eating patterns. Conducted by German researchers, the study involved 29 healthy men in their twenties who were instructed to consume ultra-processed foods to analyse the neurological effects of a high-calorie diet.
Participants were divided into two groups. One group indulged in ultra-processed items such as chocolate bars, brownies, and chips over a five-day period to elevate their caloric intake. Meanwhile, a control group maintained a regular diet. The study uncovered that this short-term overeating resulted in increased liver fat and disrupted insulin function within brain pathways related to motivation and decision-making.
The outcomes indicate that even a brief period of overeating can set the stage for persistent unhealthy eating habits. Dietitian and nutritionist Jemma O’Hanlon emphasised the importance of reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods, noting that they currently make up 42 per cent of the Australian diet—a figure deemed excessively high. She further pointed out emerging research suggesting that these foods might be addictive.
Experts recommend that ultra-processed foods be consumed only occasionally and in limited portions to mitigate their potential negative effects on health and eating behaviour.