Neural and Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Controlling the Quality of Feeding Behavior: Diet Selection and Feeding Patterns

Abstract

We are what we eat. There are three aspects of feeding: what, when, and how much. These aspects represent the quantity (how much) and quality (what and when) of feeding. The quantitative aspect of feeding has been studied extensively, because weight is primarily determined by the balance between caloric intake and expenditure. In contrast, less is known about the mechanisms that regulate the qualitative aspects of feeding, although they also significantly impact the control of weight and health. However, two aspects of feeding quality relevant to weight loss and weight regain are discussed in this review: macronutrient-based diet selection (what) and feeding pattern (when). This review covers the importance of these two factors in controlling weight and health, and the central mechanisms that regulate them. The relatively limited and fragmented knowledge on these topics indicates that we lack an integrated understanding of the qualitative aspects of feeding behavior. To promote better understanding of weight control, research efforts must focus more on the mechanisms that control the quality and quantity of feeding behavior. This understanding will contribute to improving dietary interventions for achieving weight control and for preventing weight regain following weight loss.

Neuronal SIRT1 regulates macronutrient-based diet selection through FGF21 and oxytocin signalling in mice

“…If the general alteration in the hedonic system were the primary cause of the altered preferences for fat and sucrose in these modified mouse strains, then the preferences for both fat and sucrose would change in the same direction (instead of opposite directions), because they are both palatable to mice and drive reward circuits in the brain 21 . Therefore, we investigated the expression of genes known to encode neuropeptides and receptors that selectively regulate preference for a particular macronutrient 9 , such as neuropeptide Y ( Npy ), oxytocin ( Oxt ), galanin ( Gal ) and neuromedin U ( Nmu ). We screened samples of the hypothalamus, ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) from NS-KO and NS-OE mice.…”

“…However, macronutrient selection behaviour cannot be fully understood by studying only hedonic feeding. For example, the central melanocortin system, which plays a major role in regulating caloric intake homeostatically, is implicated in the regulation of macronutrient preferences 6 – 8 , and some neuropeptides and endocrine signals regulate intake of specific macronutrients 9 . Nevertheless, an integrated understanding of the mechanisms that regulate macronutrient-based diet selection is lacking, yet it is required for developing a diet therapy that facilitates adherence.…”

Feeding Rhythms and the Circadian Regulation of Metabolism

“…Highly palatable foods or particular nutrient compositions can directly and rapidly signal to orexigenic centers (126). The HFD in particular directly affects appetite regulating centers in the arcuate nucleus as well as the regions associated with hedonic/reward stimulation that influence food-seeking behavior (127)(128)(129). It appears that the homeostatic feeding circuits acutely responsive to the HFD are independent of clock regulation.…”

Fluoxetine Mimics the Anorectic Action of Estrogen and Its Regulation of Circadian Feeding in Ovariectomized Female Rats

“…Synchronization of meal times to the environmental day-night cycle is essential for preventing the development of hyperphagia, overweight, or obesity [19][20][21]. In addition, lesions of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the master clock in mammals, disrupt the circadian rhythm of food intake and locomotor activity and increase body fat mass [22].…”