Childhood junk food can rewire brain for life: Study
Washington DC, May 21
Consuming large amounts of junk food early in life may cause lasting changes in the brain, even if a person later adopts a healthier diet. Scientists discovered that diets high in fat and sugar altered eating habits and affected brain regions responsible for controlling appetite.
However, some beneficial gut bacteria and prebiotic fibres showed potential in reversing part of these effects. According to a new study from University College Cork (UCC), Children who regularly eat high-fat, high-sugar foods may experience lasting changes in the brain that continue long after their diets improve.
Researchers also found that beneficial gut bacteria and prebiotic fibres could help reduce some of these long-term effects and support healthier eating behaviours later in life.
Scientists at APC Microbiome, a leading research centre based at UCC, discovered that unhealthy diets during early life can alter how the brain controls appetite and feeding. These changes persisted even after the unhealthy diet ended and body weight returned to normal.
Today's children are surrounded by highly processed foods that are heavily marketed and easy to access. Sugary and fatty foods have become common at birthday parties, school events, sports activities, and even as rewards for good behaviour.
Researchers say this constant exposure may shape food preferences from an early age and encourage eating habits that continue into adulthood.
The study, which was published in Nature Communications, found that early exposure to calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods can leave lasting effects on feeding behaviour.
Researchers used a preclinical mouse model and found that animals exposed to a high-fat, high-sugar diet early in life showed persistent changes in eating behaviour as adults.
The team linked these behavioural effects to disruptions in the hypothalamus, a brain region responsible for regulating appetite and energy balance.
The research also explored whether targeting the gut microbiome could help counter these effects. Scientists tested a beneficial bacterial strain (Bifidobacterium longum APC1472) along with prebiotic fibres (fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), naturally present in foods such as onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus and bananas, and widely available in fortified foods and prebiotic supplements).
According to the findings, both approaches showed potential benefits when given throughout life.
Gut Bacteria May Help Restore Healthy Eating Patterns
"Our findings show that what we eat early in life really matters," said Dr. Cristina Cuesta-Marti, first author of the study.
"Early dietary exposure may leave hidden, long-term effects on feeding behaviour that are not immediately visible through weight alone," added Dr Cristina Cuesta-Marti.
Researchers found that unhealthy diets early in life disrupted brain pathways linked to feeding behaviour, with effects continuing into adulthood. The findings suggest this could raise the risk of obesity later in life.
Scientists also found that modifying the gut microbiota helped reduce these long-term effects. The probiotic strain Bifidobacterium longum APC1472 significantly improved feeding behaviour while causing only minor changes to the overall microbiome, suggesting a highly targeted effect. Meanwhile, the prebiotic combination (FOS+GOS) produced broader changes across the gut microbiome.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a nutritionist, I've been saying this for years! Early food experiences set the stage for lifelong habits. The idea that gut bacteria can reverse some effects is encouraging. But we need stricter marketing regulations for junk food targeting children. Busy parents need better options.
The study is interesting, but I wish they would consider cultural context too. In India, we have problem of "khush rakhne ke liye" giving sweets and junk as rewards. My own mother-in-law insists on giving chocolate to my toddler after every meal. Breaking this cycle is tough but necessary. 🙏
This is concerning but not surprising. With so many processed options available cheaply, it's hard for parents. The prebiotic and probiotic angle is promising. I hope we see more accessible products in India that use ingredients like onions, garlic, and bananas which we already have in our cuisine.
I appreciate the research, but I'm skeptical. My children ate Maggi and biscuits growing up, and they turned out healthy. The problem is more about overall diet quality and exercise, not one food item. Let's not add to the guilt of already stressed Indian parents.
Important study! The fact that changes persisted even after returning to normal weight shows we can't judge effects by weight alone. India's rapidly increasing obesity and diabetes rates in younger populations might be linked to this early rewiring. Government should invest in school nutrition programs.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.