The Focus on Neuroscience box, "Dopamine Receptors and Obesity," discussed a study in which the diet of rats was manipulated. One group ate rat chow-a nutritionally balanced diet-while the other group ate junk-food-high-fat, sugary foods. What happened to the rats on the junk-food diet?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rats on the junk-food diet were found to have an increased number of dopamine receptors in their brains, leading to a stronger reward response to the unhealthy food. This resulted in the rats continuing to choose junk food even when it was paired with an electric shock, indicating a potentially addictive quality to the high-fat, sugary diet.

The Focus on Neuroscience Box, "Dopamine Receptors and Obesity," Discussed