The neuroscientist Dr Daniel Amen has looked at 66.000 brain scans to identify the four different brain types of eating behavior which may be the case why different diets work for different people.
The first brain type of eaters is the compulsive type, who has a compulsion to eat and think about food. These tend to have a high activitiy in the anterior cingulate cortex, an area related to shifting attention and adapt to change. The second brain type of eaters is the impulsive type. These eaters have low activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is related to judgment, decision making and planning. Alcohol lowers the activity in the prefrontal cortex and low levels of dopamine are equally related to poor decision making. The third brain type of eaters is the emotional type. These eaters suffer from emotional problems, and eat in order to feel better. They have heightened activity in the limbic system and decreased activity in the limbic system. The fourth brain type of eaters is the anxious type. Anxious eaters eat because they are stressed or anxious. Anxious eaters have heightened activity in the basal ganglia, which sets anxiety levels. Carbohydrates (for instance sugar) have shown to activate the basal ganglia, releasing dopamine, which may explain the addiction that may come from anxiety. Here is the original article where you can also find out which type you are. I think I am a mix of all types: http://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/successful-dieting-is-all-in-the-brain-1.1169858
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AuthorThis is my class blog for IB Psychology. Here I will publish reflections on psychology, reviews of psychology books, recommended links, lecture notes, and information on psychology topics that are not covered by the syllabus. You are free to add comments or ask me questions. Archives
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