Purpose of Review: This narrative review aims to examine the neurobiological consequences of high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diets on the mesocorticolimbic reward system. Emphasis is placed on how dopamine and opioid signaling interact to drive maladaptive behaviors such as compulsive eating and food addiction. Recent Findings: High-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diets have a profound impact on the mesocorticolimbic reward system, altering the function of both dopamine and opioid signaling. Evidence from animal and human studies shows that acute consumption of HFHS foods produces supra-additive effects, boosting dopamine release in the Ventral Tegmental Area-Nucleus Accumens (VTA-NAc) pathway and enhancing pleasure through µ-opioid receptor activation, which reinforces repeated intake. Chronic exposure, however, results in maladaptive neuroplasticity, including downregulation of D2 receptors, weakened dopamine signaling, synaptic desensitization, and structural impairments in the prefrontal cortex. These changes parallel neural adaptations observed in substance use disorders, manifesting as tolerance, loss of control, and cue-induced craving. The opioid system also contributes to stress-related comfort eating. In contrast, individual variability in response to treatments such as the opioid antagonist naltrexone has been linked to genetic factors, including Opioid Receptor Mu 1 (OPRM1) polymorphisms. Summary: HFHS diets profoundly reshape the brain’s reward circuitry, promoting tolerance, craving, and compulsive consumption that mirror substance addiction. These findings support the conceptualization of food addiction as a neurobiological condition and highlight the importance of personalized treatment approaches. A better understanding of dopaminergic and opioid system interactions will inform targeted interventions to prevent and manage diet-related obesity and eating disorders.
25 September 2025 in Disability and Rehabilitation
This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status and body composition of children with CP by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and to examine the relationship between nutrient intake and anthropometric indicators. In this cross-sectional study, 25 children aged 1-18 years with CP underwent body composition assessment via bioelectrical impedance (InBody S10) and completed three-day food records analyzed using BeBiS software. Anthropometric z-scores were calculated based on WHO standards, and micronutrient adequacy was assessed using WHO Recommended Daily Allowances. Children in the GMFCS IV-V group had significantly lower fat-free mass, skeletal muscle mass, and body mineral content compared to those in GMFCS I-III (p < 0.05). Regarding dietary intake, children with GMFCS IV-V consumed significantly less energy (p = 0.036), protein (p = 0.015), and carbohydrates (p = 0.028). Micronutrient deficiencies were common, especially in calcium (p = 0.035), zinc (p = 0.046), vitamin B2 (p = 0.044). Magnesium intake showed positive correlations with anthropometric z-scores (p < 0.05). Children with CP, particularly those with greater motor impairment, exhibit significant nutritional challenges. Standard measures like BMI may not adequately reflect their nutritional risk. A comprehensive assessment, including body composition and dietary intake, is essential to guide individualized, function-based nutritional strategies.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONStandard anthropometric tools like Body Mass Index (BMI) may overlook malnutrition in children with cerebral palsy (CP); thus, body composition analysis and GMFCS-based evaluation should be integrated into routine nutritional assessments.Rehabilitation professionals should collaborate closely with dietitians to develop individualized nutritional strategies based on motor function levels to prevent muscle loss and support healthy growth.Micronutrient deficiencies, especially in children with severe motor impairment, highlight the need for targeted dietary interventions and potential supplementation to optimize neuromuscular and skeletal health.Using function-based assessments can guide more tailored rehabilitation plans that include both nutritional and physical therapy components to address the complex needs of children with CP.
Purpose of Review: Insulin resistance has traditionally been viewed as a peripheral metabolic abnormality; however, accumulating evidence indicates that impaired insulin signaling within the central nervous system plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of multiple neurological disorders. The purpose of this narrative review is to synthesize current evidence supporting insulin resistance as a shared pathophysiological driver across neurodegenerative, neurological, and neuropsychiatric conditions, and to evaluate the potential of nutrition- and metabolism-based interventions as modulatory strategies. Recent Findings: Recent human and experimental studies demonstrate that central insulin resistance disrupts brain energy metabolism, promotes neuroinflammation, impairs synaptic plasticity, and alters neuronal network stability. These mechanisms contribute to disease onset and progression in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and mood disorders. Advances in neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and molecular profiling have strengthened the link between impaired insulin signaling and cognitive, behavioral, and affective dysfunction. In parallel, emerging evidence suggests that dietary patterns, energy restriction, ketogenesis, and lifestyle interventions can partially restore insulin sensitivity, improve metabolic flexibility, and mitigate neurobiological vulnerability. Summary: Insulin resistance should be regarded not merely as a comorbid metabolic condition, but as an active disease-modifying factor in a broad spectrum of neurological disorders. Targeting insulin signaling pathways through personalized nutritional and metabolic interventions represents a promising, modifiable strategy for prevention and adjunctive management. Future research integrating metabolic phenotyping with neurological outcomes will be essential to translate these insights into clinical practice.
This study aimed to adapt the Psychological Food Involvement Scale (PFIS) to Turkish culture and test its validity and reliability. The PFIS measures individuals’ psychological, emotional, and social relationships with food, which significantly impact eating behaviors and health. The study was conducted with 478 participants aged 18–65. The PFIS underwent a six-stage translation and cultural adaptation process. Data collection was carried out via Google Forms, with participants completing a general information form, PFIS, and the Addiction-like Eating Behavior Scale (ALEBS). Reliability was assessed using the test-retest method. SPSS 24 was used for statistical evaluation, including internal consistency coefficient calculations, factor analysis, and correlation tests. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value was 0.94, indicating an adequate sample size, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (p < 0.05). Exploratory factor analysis revealed a four-factor structure explaining 79% of the variance, with factor loadings > 0.40 and eigenvalues > 1. Confirmatory factor analysis showed good fit indices: χ2 /sd = 2.28, GFI = 0.95, AGFI = 0.93 CFI = 0.98, NFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.04). Internal consistency analysis showed high reliability, with Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients ranging from 0.86 to 0.94 across subscales. The Turkish version of the PFIS was found to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing psychological food involvement in the studied sample of the Turkish adult population.
This study investigated the risks of eating disorders in sports where weight control is critical, focusing on apprentice jockeys and wrestlers. A total of 31 apprentice jockeys and 22 wrestlers, aged 15 to 19, participated in the study. To evaluate eating behaviors, participants completed the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and the ORTO-15 test. The EAT-26 assessed the risk of disordered eating, with scores of 20 or above indicating high risk, while ORTO-15 scores below 40 suggested a risk of unhealthy eating obsession. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The results showed a significant difference in the EAT-26 mean scores between apprentice jockeys and wrestlers (p = 0.034). Apprentice jockeys had higher mean scores (15.97 ± 9.72) than wrestlers (11.05 ± 9.19), with 25.8% of apprentice jockeys and 13.6% of wrestlers classified as having high risk for eating disorders. Subdomain analysis revealed that bulimic and oral control behaviors were similar between groups (p > 0.05), but dieting scores were significantly higher among apprentice jockeys (p = 0.004). According to the ORTO-15 results, 67.7% of apprentice jockeys and 81.8% of wrestlers scored below 40, indicating a high prevalence of healthy eating behaviors, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.562). These findings highlight the heightened risk of eating disorders in weight-control sports, particularly among apprentice jockeys who compete more frequently than wrestlers. Increased dieting among jockeys may raise their vulnerability to disordered eating. Classifying wrestling and horse racing as weight-class sports may encourage athletes to adopt healthier food choices.
Background: Adolescents' beverage consumption habits are crucial for their overall diet and health. The preference for sugary drinks has become a growing concern due to their potential health impacts. Understanding these patterns and their influencing factors provides valuable insights into the dietary behaviors of this age group. Objectives: This study aims to examine the beverage consumption habits of adolescents, with a specific focus on their preferences for sugary drinks and the relationship between these preferences and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 341 adolescents aged 14-18 years by face-to-face interview method. Results: It was observed that 72.4% of the participants stated that they consumed sugary drinks with meals and this consumption was mostly concentrated in the evening meal. It was observed that girls consumed more sugary drinks than boys. Increased screen time significantly increased the frequency of sugary drink consumption. It was found that children of parents with higher education levels consumed less sugary drinks. The most preferred beverages of adolescents after water consumption were cola, ayran and tea. Beverage preferences affected the BMI of adolescents, and it was found that participants with normal BMI drank less ayran, fruit juice, lemonade, cola, soda, fruity soda, iced tea, Turkish coffee, and hot chocolate. Conclusion: Factors that increase the consumption of sugary drinks by adolescents may affect the food preferences and eating habits of these individuals in later ages. Therefore, promoting healthy beverage habits and increasing awareness are of great importance for the long-term health of adolescents.