Do men and women become overweight for different reasons? New research says that obesity affects different parts of the brain in men and women and may, therefore, require sex-specific therapies.
This study, recently published in Brain Communication, analysed different types of brain scans in combination with other clinical information to compare differences between males and females with high body mass index (BMI) compared to those with a normal BMI. Researchers noted that obese women recorded changes in emotion-related brain regions that were linked to higher levels of compulsive eating. In comparison, the hunger pangs in obese men were related to gut and visceral sensations linked to abdominal discomfort and hunger.
“While the study specifically investigated the differences in brain processes related to obesity between men and women, it is essential to consider other potential factors contributing to emotional eating in women from India. Culture, societal expectations and gender play a significant role in shaping emotional eating behaviours among Indian women. Both women and men develop emotional eating as a coping mechanism when faced with hurdles in family dynamics, relationships, or work-life balance. As women’s share of responsibilities towards the family and personal life are comparatively larger than men, they also experience more such stressors. Moreover, the stigma attached to seek active help for mental health-related issues such as depression or anxiety also contributes to under-diagnosed or under-treatment and thus results in emotional eating,” says Dr Suruchi Desai, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai.
“The increasing exposure to Western fast-food culture, sedentary lifestyles and the rise of social media might further exacerbate emotional eating habits. If future studies with larger and more genetically diverse samples produce similar results, these insights could be invaluable in treating obesity from its early stages. Healthcare professionals in gynaecology, neurology, endocrinology, and nutrition could adopt different approaches for their patients based on this observational data,” adds she.
Nonetheless, it is essential to recognise the study’s limitations, such as its cross-sectional nature that prevents the establishment of causality, and the reliance on BMI as an obesity marker. “Further research should concentrate on more precise obesity measurements and explore the primary drivers of obesity in men. With obesity continuing to pose a significant global health challenge, integrating these findings into clinical practice may enhance the efficacy of interventions and promote better long-term outcomes for patients. Therefore, during your next consultation with a healthcare professional about weight management, don’t hesitate to inquire about a tailored treatment plan that accommodates your unique needs and incorporates the latest research discoveries,” says Dr Desai.
Besides, BMI is not a sound measure of health. “The research should have factored in more accurate measurements of obesity, such as visceral adiposity or waist-hip ratio to arrive at more accurate findings,” reasons Dr Desai.
The researchers used a data-driven approach using multimodal brain imaging (structure, connectivity, and function) to better understand how obesity manifests differently in the brain for women and men. Its lead author, Dr Arpana Gupta, associate professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, was quoted as saying, “We know that brain signatures are altered for obese individuals as they have implications for how one views food and how this in turn leads to food cravings, altered eating patterns and in turn obesity. However, looking at differences in how these brain patterns differ by sex is a game changer as it suggests that the pathways to how women and men develop obesity are different.”
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
First uploaded on: 28-04-2023 at 12:21 IST
