Scientists Discover “Meal Memory” Neurons That Regulate Hunger and Overeating
Researchers have uncovered “meal memory” neurons in the brain that help control when and how much we eat. This new discovery could reshape how we understand hunger, overeating, and even weight management. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that neurons in the brain’s ventral hippocampus record the details of each meal — what we eat, when we eat, and where we eat it. These “meal engrams” influence our future appetite and eating behavior.
When these neurons fail to record a meal correctly, the brain may forget that we’ve eaten. As a result, hunger returns sooner, making us eat more than we actually need. This may explain why skipping meals or eating distractedly often leads to overeating later.
What Are Meal Engrams?
A meal engram works like the brain’s food diary. Each time we eat, certain neurons light up and record meal details. In experiments with rats, researchers found that these neurons became active between bites, storing information about the food and its context. However, when scientists disrupted these “meal memory” cells, the rats forgot when and where they had eaten — and started eating more often.
These findings highlight how the brain uses memory to regulate appetite. In other words, remembering our meals helps prevent overeating.
Why Mindful Eating Matters
The study also shows that we form stronger meal memories when we focus on eating. For example, putting away phones and avoiding screens allows the brain to encode food-related details better. In contrast, distracted eating weakens these memories, leaving us feeling hungry again soon after.
Therefore, mindful eating may be one of the simplest ways to support natural appetite control. Paying attention to your meal helps your brain remember it — reducing unnecessary snacking later.
