For many years, researchers have examined how the environment affects the body.
Light in particular has been shown to play an important role in sleep, circadian rhythms, and hormone regulation.
Nevertheless, there are still areas where these connections are not fully understood.
New research from China now adds to existing knowledge about how light may influence eating behavior.
Also read: New study links certain preservatives to increased cancer risk
The study was conducted on mice, however, and the results therefore cannot be directly transferred to humans.
What we already know about light
According to Medical Xpress, previous studies have shown that bright light can affect both mood and metabolism.
Light therapy is already used in healthcare, for example in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder and sleep disorders.
The researchers behind the new study wanted to investigate whether light could also affect how much individuals eat.
Also read: Is it risky to take aspirin every day like Trump? Research clarifies
Until now, that question has lacked a clear biological explanation.
Experiments on mice
The study was published in Nature Neuroscience. The researchers worked with adult mice that were divided into groups.
All mice followed the same circadian rhythm, but one group was exposed to very bright light during daytime hours.
The researchers measured how much the mice ate and how their weight changed over time.
Also read: The sweetener aspartame may potentially affect memory and the heart negatively
At the same time, they examined activity in specific areas of the brain using advanced laboratory techniques.
What did the researchers find?
The results showed that mice exposed to bright light ate less and gained less weight.
According to the study, the researchers also identified a specific signal in the brain that connects the eye to areas that control appetite.
The findings do not show that light can yet be used as a treatment for obesity in humans, but they provide new insight into how the brain regulates hunger.
Also read: 5–7 minutes of intensive exercise can reduce the risk of premature death
Sources: Medical Xpress, and Nature Neuroscience.
Also read: Signs your body may not be getting enough protein