The relationship between memory and eating behavior has been of considerable interest to scientists in recent years. While it is common for food intake to be associated with hunger or emotional states, innovative research by the Monell Chemical Senses Center has found that another critical component influences our eating habits—memory. The studies revealed that the food-related memory system of the brain could be a direct contributor to how much and what we eat. This may prove important in the context of overeating, food cravings, and obesity.

An underemphasized player in eating behavior studies is memory. But researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, led by Dr. Guillaume de Lartigue, published in Nature Metabolism, revealed an entirely new phenomenon: there are certain neurons in the brain that store food memories, specifically those that have a lot of sugar and fat. Such neurons in the hippocampus directly impact food intake and weight gain and establish a surprising relationship between memory and metabolism.

These neurons encode the spatial location of nutrient-rich foods, thus essentially forming a "memory trace" for sugar and fat. These memories act as a strong motivator for eating behavior and drive individuals to seek out such food sources again, even in environments where food is readily available.

Dr. de Lartigue's group found that blocking these neurons reduced the capacity of an animal to remember sugar-related experiences. In simpler words, if these neurons were blocked, the animals ate less sugar, and they gained much less weight even though they were fed a diet loaded with sugar and fat. Conversely, activating these neurons enhanced the memory for food in the animals and increased consumption.

This finding is impportant because it suggests that food memories should not be considered as passive recollections of pleasurable experiences but rather as active triggers of food intake and behavior. It opens possibilities to use these insights in better management of overeating and prevention of diet-induced obesity.

How Your Memory Impacts Obesity and Metabolic Health

What is important about this discovery is its implications for relieving the growing obesity epidemic. Obesity has long been associated with overeating and specifically, the consumption of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods which are high in fat and sugar. The study of Monell reported that brain circuits controlling memory could be an important component that drives the behavior.

In the present world, food is constantly advertised, and there are environmental cues everywhere. As such, food memories have emerged as a vital part of eating habits. As Dr. de Lartigue points out, these circuits of memory may cause overeating due to the plentiful food cues associated with pleasure. In essence, these memories may cause a craving to result in the consumption of sugary or fatty foods when one may not feel hungry.

Another interesting aspect of this study is the specificity of memory circuits it detects. The scientists were able to determine that the neurons that are responsible for encoding sugar-related memories only influence sugar intake, while the neurons responsible for fat-related memories affect fat consumption. This specificity shows that the brain has finely tuned circuits designed to differentiate between various types of food and drive behavior accordingly.

Separation of sugar and fat memory circuits might have occurred as a function because in the wild, most foodstuffs hardly combine sugar and fats, thus facilitating survival when remembering and acting appropriately on nutrient-dense food sources. This capability of storing food-specific memories might account for why most people experience a craving for either sweet or fatty food in the presence of environmental cues related to these nutrients.

Implications for Treating Obesity

The research holds great promise for the development of new treatments for obesity. By targeting the memory circuits in the hippocampus, it may be possible to disrupt the food-related memories that drive unhealthy eating behavior. This may provide a new approach to managing overeating and weight gain, especially in a society where food is omnipresent and easily accessible.

Dr. de Lartigue and his colleagues propose that these neurons are necessary for associating sensory stimuli, such as taste and smell, with the consumption of food. Blocking the memory mechanisms that drive the desire for calorie-rich foods may represent a powerful intervention to treat obesity and enhance metabolic health.

Link Between Memory and the Brain's Reward System

The brain's reward system is also closely linked to food memories. Scientists have discovered that high-glycemic foods cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, stimulating pleasure and reward areas of the brain. Such foods give a sense of satisfaction, and it reinforces the need to eat them again. In the long term, the brain becomes conditioned to seek out such foods, creating a vicious cycle of overeating.

Overeating can also be linked to memory modification in the brain's reward system, which eventually creates a reduced response to cues related to food. The same thing happens in addiction, where higher amounts of the substance are required for the same amount of reward. The vicious cycle of eating, facilitated by brain activation and food memories, might explain why people easily gain weight yet have difficulty keeping it off.

Understanding the Role of Memory in Eating Behavior

Findings at the Monell Chemical Senses Center have increased our knowledge on the intricate connection between memory and eating behavior. The specific role that food-related memories play in food intake and weight gain has been identified through this study, providing useful information regarding how memory circuits in the brain might influence eating behavior. This research could open the doors to innovative treatments against overeating and obesity, helping people make healthier food choices and improve their metabolic health.

Ways To Prevent Overeating?

• Focus on eating slowly, savoring each bite, and avoiding distractions to curb impulsive eating.
• Reduce exposure to advertisements and sensory triggers associated with unhealthy food.
• Prioritize low-glycemic, nutrient-dense foods to minimize the addictive effects of sugar and fat.
• Exercise can modulate brain activity and support healthier eating behaviors.
• Address emotional triggers and reframe food-related memories to prevent overeating.
• Ensure adequate sleep to regulate appetite-controlling hormones.
• Seek guidance from nutritionists or therapists for personalized strategies.

Separate orexigenic hippocampal ensembles shape dietary choice by enhancing contextual memory and motivation. Nat Metab. 2025

Effects of dietary glycemic index on brain regions related to reward and craving in men. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013

The US President Donald Trump's health has been a heated topic of debate ever since he has returned to the White House. The most speculated topic on his health comes from the dark bruise on his right hand. Now, a series of images, which is posted by his granddaughter has now revealed how long the President has had the discoloration on his hand.

These photos have now sparked a new set of questions on Trump's health, especially after Trump has be declared fit during his recent medical checkup.

Also Read: What Does Trump's Latest Health Checkup Reveal About Him?

What Did Kai Trump's Photo Reveal About Trump's Health?

His 18-year-old eldest granddaughter took to Instagram on Wednesday and posted a series of pictures to commemorate the anniversary of her YouTube journey. She wrote: "One year ago, I started my YouTube channel not knowing what to expect...and it is turned into something so special."

However, in one of the images, Kai is seen with Trump and the president had a thick layer of makeup on his hand that would cover the bruise. The image was taken on the day of the results at the watch party hosted by Trump at Mar-a-Lago. This proves that the President had this bruise that he covered with makeup much before he even took over the office.

This discovery made people believe that the White House is deliberately trying to hide the president's health issues for months, especially under the guise of his semi-annual health check that declared him fit.

When Was The First Time Trump's Bruise Was Noticed?

The bruise first came under public's eye soon after Trump was elected and he himself said in a TIME Magazine interview in December 2024, that this has happened due to frequently shaking hands with thousands of people.

Seconding the same, in 2025, the White House also used the same explanation, where his doctor Dr Sean Barbabella said that these bruises were "minor soft tissue irritation". The doctor also said that his has happened due to frequent handshaking by him and his use of aspirin as part of his normal heart health routine. The side effect of this, with his hand bruising like this was said to be a 'benign and well known" side effect.

In a memo published by White House, his physician noted: "consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen".

The medical report also noted that Trump's swollen ankles were caused by chronic venous insufficiency. This is a condition where veins find it difficult to send blood back to heart. The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the media that Trump was still "in exceptional health", while backing the physician's comment on his health.

Recent Update On Trump's Health

Previously, Health And Me reported on an exclusive published on tabloid Radar, on October 16, that claimed that Trump is 'riddled with arthritis', and that he may need a double hip replacement surgery.

Read: Is US President Donald Trump Getting A Double Hip Replacement Surgery?

The tabloid’s report paints a sensational picture of severe arthritis and an alleged plan for double hip replacement, citing unnamed “sources” and hinting at possible cognitive issues. The story has since been picked up by several aggregator sites, spreading widely despite the absence of verified evidence. However, the publication provided no medical records, surgeon's statements, or official documents to support the claim.

However, as per the physical examination by the Walter Reed National Medical Center, President had no orthopedic surgery listed in his history.

Health officials are urging people to seek immediate medical help if they notice three particular symptoms appearing alongside Covid, as these could signal a more serious infection.

According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Covid cases have dipped slightly but remain present at “low levels” across the country. Hospital admissions have also fallen modestly, with weekly test positivity dropping to 10.3 percent from 11.9 percent the week before.

Despite the decline, people aged 85 and older continue to face the greatest risk of being hospitalised with the virus. Experts stress that identifying certain warning symptoms early can be key to preventing complications and ensuring timely treatment.

3 Covid Symptoms That Are Major Warning

People are being urged to seek urgent medical advice if they or their child develop three specific symptoms while infected with Covid, as it may point to a more serious illness.

Health experts recommend contacting a GP or calling for medical assistance if symptoms such as a rash, loss of appetite, or unusual weakness appear. Immediate help is also advised if a high temperature of 38°C or above lasts for five days or fails to reduce with paracetamol.

Medical attention is further encouraged if symptoms worsen, show no improvement, or if you are unsure how to manage them. For infants, extra caution is necessary as any baby under three months old with a temperature of 38°C or higher, or a child aged three to six months with a temperature above 39°C, should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Covid Booster Shots: Who Can Get Them This Autumn

The eligibility rules for Covid booster vaccines have been updated for the current autumn rollout. While earlier boosters were offered to people aged 65 and above and those with certain long-term conditions, this year’s criteria have been made more specific.

Those eligible for the latest booster include:

• Adults aged 75 and over, including anyone who will turn 75 by January 31, 2026
• Individuals aged six months to 74 years with a weakened immune system due to illness or medical treatment
• Residents of care homes for older adults
• Health officials continue to encourage eligible groups to stay up to date with vaccinations, especially heading into the winter season, when respiratory infections tend to rise.

COVID-19 Variant Stratus: What You Should Know

A new COVID-19 strain known as Stratus, officially labeled XFG, has begun to circulate globally. First identified in Southeast Asia in January 2025, the variant quickly spread across 38 countries by mid-year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Stratus as a “variant under monitoring,” meaning it is being closely studied to understand its transmission rate, symptom pattern, and potential health impact.

Frankenstein Variant: Common Symptoms of Stratus

For most people, especially those who are vaccinated or boosted, Stratus infections appear to be mild to moderate. Still, recognising its symptoms early remains important.

The most common signs include:

• Persistent dry cough
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Fever
• Other possible symptoms:
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Headache and body aches
• Upset stomach, nausea, or loss of appetite
• Loss of taste or smell (now less frequent)
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

Atorvastatin Recall 2025: Statins have long been the first-line treatment for high cholesterol, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed a nationwide recall of over 140,000 bottles of a cholesterol-lowering medication. Officials flagged that some pills may not dissolve properly after ingestion, potentially reducing effectiveness for patients who rely on them daily.

The recall affects Atorvastatin Calcium, the generic version of Lipitor, which is taken by roughly 39 million Americans, most of them adults over 40, according to Dr. Tamanna Singh of the Cleveland Clinic. Federal records show that the recalled batches were manufactured by Alkem Laboratories and distributed by Ascend Laboratories in New Jersey. The FDA’s September 19 enforcement report found that several batches failed quality tests designed to ensure proper dissolution of the pills.

If the pills dissolve inconsistently or more slowly than intended, the medication may not deliver the expected cholesterol-lowering effect. The FDA classified the recall as a Class II action, indicating moderate concern. While temporary or reversible side effects could occur, the likelihood of serious harm is low.

Atorvastatin Recall: Which Atorvastatin Tablets Are Affected

The recall covers multiple strengths and bottle sizes of Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets, which are among the most commonly prescribed statins globally. Affected formulations include:

• 10 mg – 90, 500, and 1,000 tablets per bottle
• 20 mg – 90, 500, and 1,000 tablets per bottle
• 40 mg – 90, 500, and 1,000 tablets per bottle
• 80 mg – 90 and 500 tablets per bottle

Cholesterol Medication Recalled: Safe Alternatives to Atorvastatin

If you are affected by the recall, there are several alternatives to help manage cholesterol levels effectively:

1. Ezetimibe (Zetia)

Ezetimibe is often recommended when a statin alone doesn’t sufficiently lower cholesterol. It may be used if you are on the maximum statin dose but your cholesterol remains high, or alongside statins such as atorvastatin or simvastatin for conditions like homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Ezetimibe works by blocking cholesterol absorption in the small intestine, causing the body to use up more cholesterol from the blood. It is one of the few non-statin medications that can further reduce LDL cholesterol, either alone or combined with statins or other alternatives.

2. Fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)

Fibrates mainly target high triglyceride levels, a type of fat in the blood linked to heart disease and pancreatitis, and can also mildly lower LDL cholesterol. They can be taken alone, with ezetimibe, or with a statin. However, combining gemfibrozil with a statin may increase side effects, so caution is advised.

3. Bile Acid Sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam)

Bile acid sequestrants lower cholesterol by binding bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption. The liver then uses more cholesterol from the blood to produce new bile acids, reducing LDL cholesterol.

Potential drawbacks include:

• Multiple pills per day may be needed
• Possible interactions with other medications or vitamins, which can reduce effectiveness
• May increase triglyceride levels
• Can cause constipation or stomach upset

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general awareness only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment.