Weight gain: a question of disturbed food memory?

What is meant by ‘food memory’?

The concept of food memory refers to a neurobiological process by which the brain records, stores and reuses memories of everyday food experiences.

It is a complex mechanism that involves different brain regions, in particular the hippocampus (involved in memory), the prefrontal cortex (linked to decision-making) and the hypothalamus (the hunger regulation center) (1).

Food memory includes information such as:

• the amount of food consumed
• the pleasure experienced during the meal
• the level of satiety achieved with the meal or food in question

These memories influence future eating behavior by enabling the brain to adjust food intake according to the body's needs and the level of satisfaction sought.

In recent years, research into this phenomenon has opened up new avenues for understanding eating behavior and weight gain.

This avenue, still in its infancy, could offer keys to preventing or correcting dietary imbalances. However, it is important to remember that weight gain remains a multifactorial phenomenon influenced by the environment, genetics, physical activity and lifestyle habits.

Research highlights the link between memory and weight regulation

A study with surprising results

Recent advances confirm that memory plays a key role in weight regulation.

A team of researchers, whose work was published in June 2025 in the journal Nature Communications, has identified dietary engrams (2).

These are specific groups of neurons involved in the formation and reactivation of memories linked to meals.

These neurons are activated when food is eaten, enabling the brain to retain a lasting memory of the moment.

Experimental stimulation of these neurons has shown that it is possible to influence eating behavior by reactivating these memories.

Laboratory rats ate less when their memory of a recent meal was reactivated, as if their brains 'remembered' having eaten before.

New perspectives for understanding overeating

These discoveries open up fascinating new avenues for understanding the mechanisms of overeating.

There are several factors that can affect memory and concentration when it comes to eating:

• distractions during meals (use of screens, animated discussion, etc.)
• cognitive disorders
• brain damage
• aging

When these disturbances affect the memory of the last meal, the brain may no longer recall that a meal was eaten or how much food was consumed. As a result, it has difficulty adjusting appetite, which increases the risk of eating more than the body needs.

This makes it easier to understand why some people tend to snack more often or feel excessively hungry, without any obvious correlation with their calorie intake.

These results suggest that acting on memory mechanisms could become a new approach to preventing and managing excess weight.

Ways to support your memory and regulate your weight

Omega-3s: naturally present in cell membranes

Omega-3s, and more specifically DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are essential fatty acids that are widely present in nerve cell membranes (3).

DHA helps maintain normal brain function. It is therefore a valuable aid in maintaining memory and cognitive capacity.

Discover the Super Omega 3 food supplement, the purest and most stable on the market, or Super DHA, particularly rich in DHA.

Bacopa monnieri: to support memory

Bacopa monnieri is a traditional plant that has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine.

It helps support cognitive function, concentration, memory and the functioning of the central nervous system in general (4).

A number of studies have explored its potential, especially during periods of stress or mental overload.

As a result, it offers natural support for maintaining the brain's memory capacity.

Discover the Bacopa Monnieri supplement, a standardized formula containing 20% bacosides (the chemical compounds responsible for its effects).

Ginkgo biloba: to support cognitive performance

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most studied plants in terms of brain nutrition.

It helps maintain good cognitive function and contributes to normal blood circulation, which is associated with cerebral performance and responsiveness (5).

By promoting blood flow to the brain, it improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients to neurons.

Its antioxidant compounds also help to protect nerve cells from oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging, a key factor in cognitive decline.

Discover Ginkgo biloba dietary supplement, an extract with a high content of active ingredients for optimum effectiveness.

Choline: a nutrient that is a precursor of acetylcholine

Choline, an essential nutrient, contributes to the synthesis of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter involved in memory and the normal functioning of the nervous system (6).

Certain specific forms of choline, such as citicoline, are particularly appreciated for their exceptional bioavailability, which optimizes their use by the body.

Discover the CDP Choline food supplement based on patented citicoline.

Substances that help you lose weight

Other active ingredients may also be of interest in supporting natural appetite regulation and better control of food intake.

For example, research suggests that the molecule 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan (5-HTP) helps to regulate feelings of hunger (7).

It can be used in synergy with other ingredients in certain slimming food supplements.

Discover Appetite Control Formula, a food supplement containing 5-HTP and patented plant extracts.

Carob is a plant rich in natural fibres called galactomannans.

These have the ability to swell on contact with water and can therefore mechanically increase the sensation of satiety.

Discover CSAT® 250 mg dietary supplement, an extract standardized to 30% galactomannans.