New study shows how brains can be conditioned to prefer healthy food

New research from the US has demonstrated how it may be possible to train the brain to prefer healthy low-calorie foods over unhealthy alternatives.

Carried out by Tufts University and Massachusetts General Hospital, the brain scan study in adult men and women suggested the addictive power of unhealthy food can be reversed, while also increasing preference for healthy foods.

To reach this conclusion, the team studied the reward system in 13 overweight and obese men and women, eight of whom were participants in a new weight-loss programme designed by Tufts University researchers.

After six months, this area of the brain had increased sensitivity to healthy, lower-calorie foods among those on the dietary programme, indicating an increased reward and enjoyment of healthier food cues. The area also showed decreased sensitivity to unhealthy higher-calorie foods.

Co-corresponding author Dr Susan Roberts said: "There is much more research to be done here … But we are very encouraged that the weight-loss programme appears to change what foods are tempting to people."

Given that obesity currently affects around one in every four adults and around one in five children aged ten to 11 in the UK, programmes such as these could be of great clinical utility.