Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular food additive found in many commercially prepared and packaged foods. Numerous studies have linked it to obesity, brain damage, macular degeneration and liver damage, yet it is still found in many of the foods we eat.
MSG Is Linked to Obesity
Recent research has shown that monosodium glutamate (MSG) causes weight gain and obesity in lab animals, and that it can have the same effect in humans.
The research was reported in the journal obesity, and found that the food additive damaged the appetite regulation center in the hypothalamus (an area of the brain), causing leptin resistance. Leptin is a protein hormone that regulates energy intake and energy expenditure, including appetite and metabolism.
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study in China, and participants were told to add quantified amounts of MSG when preparing their foods. After adjusting for confounders including physical activity and total energy intake, the researchers found that MSG consumption was positively related to increases in body mass index.
Recent research has shown that monosodium glutamate (MSG) causes weight gain and obesity in lab animals, and that it can have the same effect in humans.
The research was reported in the journal obesity, and found that the food additive damaged the appetite regulation center in the hypothalamus (an area of the brain), causing leptin resistance. Leptin is a protein hormone that regulates energy intake and energy expenditure, including appetite and metabolism.
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study in China, and participants were told to add quantified amounts of MSG when preparing their foods. After adjusting for confounders including physical activity and total energy intake, the researchers found that MSG consumption was positively related to increases in body mass index.
