Neural mechanisms and behavioral dimensions of dietary choice revealed by FMRI

Abstract

Background: Emerging findings from neuroimaging studies investigating brain activity associated with dietary behavior are illuminating the interaction of biological and behavioral mechanisms that have implications for obesity prevention. Globally, 1.9 billion adults are overweight and 650 million are obese. Obesity/overweight are major risk factors for chronic illness and death. Behaviorally based health interventions have had limited success in curbing the obesity epidemic. Greater understanding of brain responses to food cues will contribute to new knowledge and shape public health efforts in obesity prevention. However, an integration of this knowledge for obesity prevention education has not been published. Aim: This study links evidence generated by brain imaging studies generated in response to diet and food images and highlights educational recommendations for nurses engaged in obesity prevention and weight-loss education. Method: An integrative review of the literature was conducted using the MeSH key words “magnetic resonance imaging” and “diet” and “food images” in PubMed, MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL and Cochrane databases from their first appearance in 2006 through March 2018. Studies published in English and using fMRI to measure brain response to diet and food images were initially identified. Animal models, those whose primary focus was a specific disease and intervention studies were excluded. Results: Of the 159 studies located, 26 met inclusion criteria. Findings from neuroimaging studies may help explain the relationship between brain mechanisms and behavioral aspects of dietary choice and inform patient education in obesity prevention. Awareness of this evidence is applicable within nursing educational efforts. This review contributes several recommendations which should be purposefully considered by nurses providing individualized weight-loss education and obesity prevention.