Ever wonder why you overeat after “forgetting” lunch? Scientists may have found the answer.

By Aniket Chakraborty June 16, 2025 Arrow

Researchers discovered "meal memory" neurons in the brain that store what and when you eat.

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These neurons form "meal engrams"—memory traces that help your brain log meals.

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When these neurons are damaged, rats ate again—because they couldn’t remember eating!

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This could explain why memory loss in dementia patients leads to overeating.

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Even distracted eating—like scrolling or binge-watching—can weaken meal memories.

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These neurons communicate with the hypothalamus, which controls hunger.

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Block that brain connection, and rats couldn’t recall where they last ate—so they kept eating.

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Scientists say remembering when and what you eat is crucial for managing weight.

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This discovery opens doors for new obesity treatments that boost meal memory—not just cut calories.

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