A short-term, high-caloric diet has prolonged effects on brain insulin action in men

Nat Metab. 2025 Mar;7(3):469-477. doi: 10.1038/s42255-025-01226-9. Epub 2025 Feb 21.

Abstract

Brain insulin responsiveness is linked to long-term weight gain and unhealthy body fat distribution. Here we show that short-term overeating with calorie-rich sweet and fatty foods triggers liver fat accumulation and disrupted brain insulin action that outlasted the time-frame of its consumption in healthy weight men. Hence, brain response to insulin can adapt to short-term changes in diet before weight gain and may facilitate the development of obesity and associated diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain* / metabolism
  • Diet*
  • Energy Intake*
  • Humans
  • Hyperphagia / metabolism
  • Insulin* / metabolism
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Male

Substances

  • Insulin