But when the researchers purposefully blocked the AgRP cells, the animals no longer ate more after alcohol injections. That means there’s a strong possibility that alcohol was triggering the increased activity in those brain regions.
Related: Why Drinking A Beer A Day Is Good For Your Heart and Brain
While it’s impossible to say whether the effects would be the same for humans without studying it on humans, it’s possible that the same mechanism may be at play, since humans do have AgRP neurons as well, says Burdakov.
It’s not really clear why alcohol kicks off an AgRP storm, sparking the desire to overeat. One theory is that it’s an evolutionary adaptation that can limit the toxic effects of too much alcohol.
Related: 8 Ways to Cure A Hangover
“Alcohol-induced food appetite would drive someone away from alcohol,” says Burdakov. “Or maybe food makes it easier for the body to process alcohol.”
He believes that his tipsy-and-hungry mice offer some interesting directions for future research, particularly when it comes to what causes the brain to switch toward overeating. As for now, just realise that your body might be priming you to overeat when you’re boozing – so try to eat a filling meal before you head out.
The article Why You Eat Like an Animal When You’re Drunk was originally published on MensHealth.com
