New Delhi, Aug 6: Is your brain in a dilemma wondering if you should go for exercise or instead have those tasty extra fries? A study released by Swiss researchers on Tuesday may finally provide your answer. Until now, science has had no idea what happens in our brains when we make this decision. Researchers at ETH Zurich have uncovered a key factor in the brain’s decision-making process when it comes to this particular decision.
Scientists discovered that the chemical messenger orexin and its neurons may be transferable to humans, explaining why some resist temptations and maintain regular physical activity. Researchers found that mice with a blocked orexin system preferred a milkshake over exercise, while those with an intact orexin system spent more time on the running wheel and less time at the milkshake bar. Denis Burdakov, Professor of Neuroscience at ETH Zurich, explains the significance of these findings.
He notes that while many people struggle to get enough exercise, some manage to resist daily temptations and stay active. Understanding what happens in the brain to facilitate this decision-making process is essential for developing new strategies to promote physical activity. According to the World Health Organization, 80 percent of adolescents and 27 percent of adults do not get enough exercise, and obesity rates are rising alarmingly among both adults and children.
The study focused on orexin, a relatively recently discovered messenger substance in the brain. Wh.