High consumption of saturated fats can trick the brain into wanting more food, according to a new study.

The study, published in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, found that saturated fats can confuse the functioning of the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that helps regulate hunger. The researchers conducted their study on groups of rats and the results can also explain humans' weight issues.

Rats fed a diet high in saturated fats experienced a change in brain activity in the hypothalamus, scientists found. 

The same theory applies to humans. Consumption of saturated fats can hamper the controlling of eating, which is typical for people suffering from obesity.

"These days, great attention is dedicated to the influence of the diet on people's wellbeing. Although the effects of a high-fat diet on metabolism have been widely studied, little is known about the effects on the brain," explained Professor Marianna Crispino and Professor Maria Pina Mollica from the University of Naples Federico II.

Fats are beneficial to health, but consuming fish oil instead of lard makes a significant difference. The rats that were fed a diet high in unsaturated fats did not experience changes in the function of the hypothalamus, even though they ate as much fat as the other rat group.

The research shows that in a diet rich in unsaturated fats, brain function remains normal and manages to restrain from eating more than necessary.

"The difference was very clear and we were amazed to establish the impact of a fatty diet onto the brain. Our results suggest that being more aware about the type of fat consumed with the diet may reduce the risk of obesity and prevent several metabolic diseases", Professor Crispino said.

Saturated fats are found in lard, butter, fried food and many fats from animal sources, such as dairy products, beef and sausages. Unsaturated fats can be found in fish, avocados, nuts and olives.

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