Continued
For the study, the researchers had 35 healthy women visit the lab on two separate days. On one day, the women received an infusion of alcohol, and on the other, an infusion of plain saline.
The researchers then used functional MRI scans to chart blood flow in each woman's brain as she was exposed to food aromas and other odors. Afterward, the study participants were offered lunch.
Overall, the researchers found, the women showed less brain activity in response to non-food odors after they'd received an alcohol infusion. Instead, the hypothalamus appeared more interested in food scents.
What's more, two-thirds of the study group ate a bigger lunch after the alcohol infusion.
On the other hand, one-third ate more after the saline infusion, too, the study found.
Considine agreed that the findings illustrate the complexity of appetite regulation.
As one example, he pointed to the fact that the study included only women. That, he explained, is because men and women typically process food aromas somewhat differently -- so it's best to study the sexes separately.
"We think we'd see similar results in men, but we don't know that yet," he said.
Considine also agreed that people need not ban alcohol from their lives -- partly because research suggests that a glass of red wine with dinner can be a heart-healthy habit.
"Our findings would not negate the potential benefits of red wine," Considine said.
But, he added, it's important for people watching their weight to remember, first of all, that alcohol contains a lot of calories. And for some people, it might also boost food intake.
"In general, we do a lot of absent-minded eating," Considine pointed out. "Just be aware that alcohol might encourage that."
Binks made a similar point. "Notice how you personally respond to alcohol. Do you eat more?" he said.
But the broader message, Binks said, is that "complex neurochemical systems" govern appetite and weight control. "That's why it's not as easy as 'eat less, exercise more,' " he said.