Neuroscience applied to eating behavior change: neurobiological mechanisms and strategies for adherence and permanent weight loss
Neuroscience applied to eating behavior change: neurobiological mechanisms and strategies for adherence and permanent weight loss
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51473/rcmos.v1i2.2025.2157Keywords:
Eating Behavior. Neuroscience. Habits. Dopamine. Weight Loss.Abstract
This article investigates the intersection of nutrition, neuroscience, and behavioral psychology to understand the mechanisms underlying eating habit formation and the difficulty of weight loss maintenance. It analyzes the neurobiological distinction between homeostatic and hedonic hunger, exploring the role of the dopaminergic reward system and the prefrontal cortex in dietary decision-making. The study discusses how chronic stress and neuroplasticity influence compulsion and relapse, proposing strategies based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindful Eating to reprogram neural patterns. It is concluded that permanent weight loss depends less on acute caloric restrictions and more on cognitive restructuring and environmental modulation to favor the automation of healthy habits.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Roberta Ribeiro Zuniga (Autor)
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