'Dessert stomach' explains why you crave sweets after dinner — even if you're full
Turns out, there may be a scientific reason as to why this happens. It's called 'dessert stomach.' Now, researchers may have uncovered what causes it, and the reason may come as a surprise.
Dessert stomach, aka a desire for sweets after a big meal, may not start in your stomach after all. Researchers have found that it actually starts in the brain.
A recent study from the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Germany explored the impact of sugar consumption when we are already satiated. The findings pinpointed hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, located in the hypothalamus (the brain region that regulates hormones and governs sensations like hunger, thirst, drowsiness and fullness), as being central to this phenomenon.
Specifically, they discovered that the POMC neurons play a dual role. They help us feel full when we've eaten enough, but they also signal a desire for sugary treats afterward, which can lead to overeating. 'Research has shown that the same neurons that are responsible for signaling fullness also trigger cravings for sweets,' Dr. Britta Reierson, a family physician and obesity medicine specialist, tells Yahoo Life. It seems that even just thinking about or seeing sweets can activate these neurons, releasing a chemical called beta-endorphin that triggers feelings of pleasure.
'From an evolutionary perspective, this makes sense: Sugar is rare in nature, but provides quick energy. The brain is programmed to control the intake of sugar whenever it is available," explained Henning Fenselau, research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research and head of the study, in a press release.
'This craving for dessert even when we are full is a fascinating phenomenon, and it involves a combination of factors,' says Reierson. 'Sugar naturally provides a rapid energy boost. So this drive to consume sugar, even when full, may have been advantageous for survival.'
Reierson says there's also a relationship between pleasure and reward. 'The brain's reward system is activated by sugar, releasing pleasure-inducing chemicals that make sugary treats irresistible,' she explains. 'This craving can be even stronger when we perceive or taste dessert, enhancing that desire to eat even when we are full.'
If you find dessert stomach coming on after enjoying a filling meal, here are a few creative ways to manage those cravings:
1. Do some strategic sweet swaps
If your brain demands sugar, it's OK to give in to it — in moderation. A piece of dark chocolate can be a satisfying sweet that also gives your body a boost of antioxidants. Even a bowl of fresh berries or drizzling honey over Greek or plain yogurt can give you that satisfying sweet taste your body is craving.
2. Chew gum
Chewing gum may help curb the desire for more food and help you feel satisfied. Data shows that the simple act of gum chewing for 45 minutes can help suppress cravings, thanks in part to the chewing motion, which signals to your brain a sense of satiety. Studies have also indicated that gum chewing stimulates the release of certain hormones associated with appetite control, making it a simple and effective tool to help manage hunger.
3. Try portion-controlled indulgence
Serve yourself a minimal portion, such as a small scoop of ice cream or sorbet, and focus on savoring every bite. Eating slowly helps amplify enjoyment and signals your brain that you're satisfied with less. If you are dining with others, try sharing dessert with your table mates, so you can still enjoy a sweet treat without overdoing it.
4. Bake at home
Baking at home provides the perfect opportunity to satisfy your sweet tooth while making healthier choices. For example, you can ensure that your treat doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup, and you add nutrient-dense foods like fruit and nuts. Experiment with recipes that include ingredients like Greek yogurt or fruit purees for added flavor and moisture without relying on unhealthy fats.
Your dessert stomach may be hard to ignore sometimes, but with good choices and a little brain trickery, you can strike a sweet balance.
Lauren Manaker is a dietitian and author.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Yahoo
The best running shoes for overpronators, based on months of testing by a competitive runner
It can feel like you need a degree in podiatry when shopping for the right running shoes. If you overpronate — meaning, your foot rolls inward excessively when you run or walk — it's especially important to choose the right footwear. The best running shoes for overpronators can help lower your risk of injury, allowing you to stay focused on racking up the miles. Unfortunately, leaving overpronation unchecked can lead to a range of issues, including shin splints, plantar fasciitis and knee pain, Suzanne C. Fuchs, DPM, a podiatrist at Luxe Podiatry in Jupiter, Fla., tells Yahoo Life. After years of struggling with all of those conditions as a competitive long-distance runner, I discovered I'm an overpronator. Apparently, I'm not alone. While specific numbers vary from source to source, it's estimated that roughly 50% of runners overpronate to some degree, and this tendency increases with longer-duration running. This makes sense — the longer a person runs, the more fatigued their muscles are likely to become. This includes the small muscles of the feet and ankles that help support proper foot strike and form while running. However, it's important to note that pronation itself — a mild inward or outward rolling of the foot as you walk or run — is normal and isn't clearly associated with injuries. Where problems may arise is if the overpronation becomes excessive (which is a poorly defined term in the running community — it's not clear exactly what level of pronation qualifies as "excessive" and this likely varies from person to person), whether as a natural part of a runner's gait or due to the increased overpronation that tends to occur with longer runs. Luckily, whether you have mild or more pronounced overpronation, the right stability running shoes can help support your running hobby. "shoes can offer both stability and support to minimize overpronation," Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill., tells Yahoo Life. With the proper footwear, overpronators can ultimately reduce their risk of injury, Richard H. Graves, DPM, a podiatrist at Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Long Beach, Calif., tells Yahoo Life. It's important to note, though, that this running-related injury reduction appears to be associated only with injuries that come directly as a result of overpronation — one small study points specifically to Achilles tendinopathy (inflammation and pain at the Achilles tendon, around the heel and lower calf), plantar fasciopathy (heel pain due to strain and inflammation of the plantar fascia — a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot), exercise-related lower-leg pain, and anterior (front) knee pain, not other running-related injuries. The right footwear for overpronators supports the foot's arch to reduce excessive inward rolling and has stability features like firmer materials on the inside of the shoe to help guide the foot into a more neutral position, Fuchs explains. "Adequate cushioning also helps absorb impact forces, reducing strain on the lower body," she says. I was shocked at how much better my joints and feet felt when I started using sneakers that helped correct my foot's inward rolling, and I've been passionate about sharing that information with fellow runners ever since. While I've been a ride-or-die with the same pair of stability running shoes for years, a large selection of supportive options for overpronators has come out since then — and I was excited to test the latest models to see how new technology may affect my running experience. To help track down the best running shoes for overpronators, our team spoke with three podiatrists about the crucial factors to look for in these sneakers. We then researched the most popular stability shoes on the market, stacking their features up against those recommended by our team of podiatrists. Once we narrowed the field, I tested 12 different pairs of shoes designed for overpronators like me. Each was used for at least 50 miles on runs across a mix of roads and trails to get a good sense of how the shoes performed in real-world conditions over time. These are our favorites, based on expert input and testing. Table of contents Best overall running shoes for overpronators More running shoes we like for overpronators in 2025 Factors to consider when purchasing running shoes for overpronation How we chose Other stability shoes we tested FAQs Meet our experts Best overall running shoes for overpronators More running shoes we like for overpronators in 2025 Factors to consider when purchasing running shoes for overpronation There's a lot to keep in mind when choosing a shoe for overpronation. These are the big elements podiatrists flagged. Degree of overpronation: Not all overpronation is created equal. Overpronators can generally be divided into mild, moderate and severe categories. If you're not sure where you stand, it can be helpful to have a gait analysis done at a podiatrist's office or shoe store. Once you know what you're dealing with, you can make better-informed decisions about the type of shoe you need. Arch type: Arches are typically divided into low, neutral and high categories. The best way to tell your arch type is to do a "wet foot" test, where you step on pavement or a piece of paper with a wet foot, Graves says. If you have a neutral arch, you'll see some elevation in the middle of your foot (where the water doesn't convey onto the pavement or paper because there's a gap where your arch doesn't touch the ground). If you have a high arch, the footprint will look more like a comma, or possibly even a colon — you'll see a large gap where your arch doesn't touch the ground with a more narrow external mark. With a flat foot, you'll have more of a solid wet spot because your arch is low and makes contact with the pavement or paper. While you may need a special insole based on your arch type, "proper shoes provide the necessary support to maintain the foot's arch, reducing excessive inward rolling [for overpronators]," Fuchs says. Running terrain: Some shoes are designed to go across a range of surfaces, but others aren't. Keep your go-to running terrain in mind, whether it's the road, trails or treadmill, and pay close attention to the shoe's outsole. Road and treadmill shoes need less of a lug — the texture on the bottom of your shoe — while trail shoes require more to offer improved traction on a range of surfaces. Distance and frequency of runs: Many shoes work across a range of distances and run frequencies, but that's not always the case. If you're a distance runner, you'll likely prefer a stability shoe that's on the lighter side. If fast workouts are more your speed, something with more bounce (also known as responsiveness) is likely to be a good choice. Personal comfort and fit preferences: While there are a lot of fancy features you can get in a shoe, doctors stress the importance of a good fit and overall comfort. "When a shoe fits exactly as it should — in other words, conforms very nicely to the shape of your foot — then it will not only feel more comfortable, but provide the best support for you because your foot will not be moving around as much inside the shoe," Graves says. Budget: Stability shoes tend to be a little more expensive than your standard shoe. Most will cost $100 or more, but it's possible to find some flexibility in the price without sacrificing on shoe quality. How we chose To choose the best running shoes for overpronation, we first consulted with three podiatrists. Each provided advice on what to look for in stability shoes and why each feature matters. From there, we looked at the most popular and buzzy stability shoes on the market, narrowing the field based on the crucial elements laid out by our experts. I'm a former Division I cross-country and track athlete who still runs competitively. I'm also a product tester who consistently tests the latest footwear, giving me insight into what does and doesn't work during training. And, like many people, I'm an overpronator. I tested 12 different stability shoes, using each for at least 50 miles over a range of terrain. Based on all of those factors, we chose the top results. Other stability shoes we tested There were some shoes we tested that didn't make the final cut for a variety of reasons. Saucony Guide 18. This shoe is my current everyday shoe. It provides a nice, guided feel without an overwhelming level of correction. However, it may not deliver enough stability for people with higher levels of overpronation. Nike Pegasus Plus. Nike's Pegasus Plus offers a snug but breathable feel, thanks to the FlyKnit upper. It's also very lightweight, but the toe box is narrow. While that makes this a good choice for people with narrow feet, others may be uncomfortable in this shoe. Brooks Glycerin GTS 22. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 is comfortable, like the brand's Adrenaline GTS 24, which was our top overall pick. It has a sockliner around the ankle, although it doesn't actually touch the ankle to create a snug fit. The toe box is nice and roomy, and the shoe is highly breathable. Ultimately, the Adrenaline GTS 24 was just a little more comfortable and seemed like a better fit for overpronation than this model. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 41. This shoe is a great everyday trainer, with an airy upper that makes it especially comfortable on hot days. The shoe's heel has a locked-in feel, and there's nice cushioning around the ankle. The shoe runs small, though — you'll want to size up. Nike Vomero 18. A highly cushioned shoe with a little bounce, Nike's Vomero 18 feels good underfoot. But the shoe fits especially snug around the ankle, and I developed irritation around the outer ankle that I didn't have with other shoes. That aside, the shoe is very comfortable and even fun to run in, thanks to that bounce. FAQs What is overpronation, and how does it affect running? Overpronation is something that can happen when you walk or run. "Overpronation occurs when a person's foot turns to the midline while walking," Lockwood says. "When it's extreme, this means it can look like you're walking on the inside of your ankle." Overpronation can throw off your gait, raising the risk of a range of injuries, including tendonitis and ankle, knee and foot pain, according to Graves. How can I tell if I overpronate? There are a few signs, says Graves. "When you're standing in a relaxed position, do your feet appear to be rolling inward? The back of your heels should be perpendicular to the ground. Are they tilted inward?" he asks. "Look at a pair of shoes that you've been wearing for a while — is the heel of the shoe tilted inward? Does the medial/inside of the shoe in the arch area appear to be bulging? Any of these can indicate overpronation." What's the difference between stability and motion control shoes? Stability shoes are designed for mild to moderate overpronators, Fuchs says. "Stability shoes provide a balance of cushioning and support, allowing for some natural motion while helping to correct alignment." Motion control shoes are designed for severe overpronators. "They are built with firmer materials and greater support to limit excessive foot movement and support proper alignment," Fuchs says. Can stability shoes help prevent running injuries? Yes, stability shoes can help prevent running injuries in people who overpronate, Graves says. "By reducing or slowing down the amount of overpronation, there will be less stress on the foot structures that tend to be most affected by overpronation." How often should I replace my running shoes? Everyone is different, but podiatrists generally recommend replacing your shoes between 300 and 500 miles. That's admittedly a wide range, which is why looking for additional signs like your midsole being compressed or you've worn down the outsole to the point that you can see the white part. Another clear indication is if you're developing new aches and pains, Graves says. Meet our experts Suzanne C. Fuchs, DPM, a podiatrist at Luxe Podiatry in Jupiter, Fla. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill. Richard H. Graves, DPM, a podiatrist at Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Long Beach, Calif. Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Yahoo
'Significant' turbulence on a Delta flight leaves 25 passengers hospitalized: How to avoid getting injured when your plane experiences it
Experts explain how severe turbulence on flights can cause injuries — and how to minimize your risk. A Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam experienced "significant" turbulence on Wednesday and was forced to land in Minneapolis, where 25 passengers were taken to hospitals for treatment, the airline said. The plane, an Airbus A330-900 with 275 passengers and 13 crew members on board, was about two hours into its nine-hour flight when it was diverted to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, landing at 7:45 p.m. local time. Paramedics boarded the aircraft and 25 passengers were "transported to local hospitals for evaluation and care," Delta said in a statement. One passenger told ABC News that people who weren't wearing seat belts were thrown into the air. "They hit the ceiling, and then they fell to the ground," Leeann Nash said. "The carts also hit the ceiling and fell to the ground, and people were injured. It happened several times, so it was really scary." Recent studies have shown that air turbulence is on the rise, thanks in part to climate change. So too are reports of injuries due to severe turbulence. We asked doctors about what types of injuries they've been seeing — and how to avoid them. How can you get injured during turbulence? There are a few possibilities. "First, an unrestrained passenger may be thrown about by turbulence, leading to falls or head injuries," Dr. Ashley Panas, chief flight physician at Vanderbilt LifeFlight, tells Yahoo Life. "Second, unrestrained objects may strike passengers." A range of injuries can happen. "Injuries can be minor to severe, and while very uncommon, they can be fatal," Dr. Lewis Nelson, professor at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, tells Yahoo Life. "Concerning injuries occur when people are tossed around by unexpected, severe and rapid plane movements." The plane can suddenly jerk when moderate to severe turbulence hits, Dr. Erik Antonsen, associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine, tells Yahoo Life. "If passengers are standing in the aisle, they can lose their balance and fall, sometimes onto other passengers," he says. "Those in seats can experience whiplash-type injuries and can hit their heads against the window or seat backs. Flail injuries of the extremities can occur as arms and legs can get slammed against whatever hard surfaces are nearby." The most troubling injuries happen when people are thrown upward during turbulence, Nelson says. "Objects such as food carts, computers or luggage can also be set in motion and can cause injury, including burns from coffee," he says. What do turbulence injuries usually involve? It's a lot of head injuries, Dr. Russ Kino, emergency medicine physician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., tells Yahoo Life. "The most common thing I've seen is mostly head lacerations," he says. "When people don't have their seatbelts on, their heads hit the plastic above them during turbulence. That plastic often breaks and there are a lot of lacerations. There's a lot of picking pieces of plastic from the scalp." Kino says he once treated passengers who hit rough turbulence while flying from Bali to Australia. "We had 100 people come to the ER, and they all had lacerations and pieces of plastic in the scalp." But passengers can also have blunt injuries to the torso or the arms and legs that lead to bone fractures, joint sprains, bleeding or internal organ injury, Nelson says. "The most concerning injuries occur when people are thrown upward relative to the plane during turbulence," he says. "Hitting the ceiling headfirst can lead to head injury or to an axial loading injury in which the spine is compressed and injured." If someone is severely injured during a flight, the pilot may be required to divert and land at a closer airport to get quick medical attention, Panas says. How to avoid getting hurt on a flight Kino stresses the importance of wearing your seatbelt — and not just when the crew announces there is turbulence ahead. "Every moment you can, you should just wear your seatbelt," he says. Dr. Christopher E. San Miguel, associate professor at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, agrees. "People are almost exclusively injured in turbulence events by falling or being thrown around the cabin," he tells Yahoo Life. "It can occur without warning, which is why it's important to remain buckled, even when the light is not illuminated." Antonsen also recommends limiting how often you're out of your seat. "Don't be up and moving about the cabin more than is necessary, and don't stand in the aisles for long periods," he says. "Many people fly frequently and some may tune out crew announcements, but the crew is your most important source of information that can help you avoid injury on flights. Be sure to listen when they are talking." Despite all of this, San Miguel stresses that turbulence injuries are relatively rare. "It is important to point out that the odds of being injured by turbulence on a commercial flight is quite low," he says. This article was originally published on Sept. 1, 2023 and has been updated. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
The best hair growth products for men in 2025
Hair loss may seem like a losing battle, but with the right products, it's totally possible to regain and regrow thinning hair. For the record, hair loss is extremely common in men, and most would (naturally!) rather keep their youthful strands and slow down or even reverse thinning and balding. If you're tired of dealing with the embarrassment of hair loss, why not take matters into your own hands and try a few new products?Dr. Amy Forman Taub, a dermatologist and an assistant professor at Northwestern University Medical School, tells Yahoo Life, "You can effectively stop genetic hair loss to a large degree." But it can be harder to reverse prolonged genetic hair loss and grow back the hair you've lost, she adds, so early intervention is important. Whether your hair loss is due to genetics, COVID, stress, poor diet or illness, you can restore hair health with the right products and a little order to help you find the best hair growth products to suit your needs and increase your odds of success, we consulted with dermatologists and hair loss specialists to identify the key ingredients to look for in hair-regrowth products. And because every person — and every budget — is different, we made sure to include a range of products and price points to ensure that there's something for everyone. Read more: Looking for more ways to regrow thinning or sparse hair? We've reviewed the best vitamins and supplements for hair growth, the best hair growth oils and serums and the best shampoos for thinning hair. We even dedicated a whole section to the best hair growth products for women, according to dermatologists. A note on supplements Some of the products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. Best overall hair growth product for men Other top hair growth products for men we recommend for 2025 Factors to consider when choosing a hair growth product for men How we chose FAQs Meet our experts We updated prices and checked stock for all products. Many of the products are on sale for Amazon Prime Day right now. (back to top) (back to top) Dr. Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss, tells Yahoo Life, "It's important to first consider the root cause of your hair loss." There are several different types of hair loss (scroll down for more on that), and the best hair growth product for you is one that addresses that cause. There are two FDA-approved ingredients used to target hereditary hair loss, which is the most common form of hair loss in men: minoxidil and finasteride. "These treatments have demonstrated positive results in stimulating hair regrowth," Dr. Henry explains. You'll also want to choose a hair loss product you know you can continue to use. "If your loss is due to genetics, you must remain on medication or treatments indefinitely, otherwise your hair loss will revert to the point where it would be without treatment," Taub says. Type of hair loss: Hair loss in men is often due to genetics, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). This is called male-pattern hair loss or androgenic alopecia. If you have this condition, it means that you've inherited genes that cause your hair follicles to shrink and eventually die, the AAD explains. While this shrinking can start as early as your teens, it usually starts later in life. But that's not the only potential cause of hair loss in men. In addition to genetics, COVID-19 and the flu can cause temporary hair loss, as can stress and poor diet. If you're unsure of what could be behind your hair loss, it's a good idea to consult with a dermatologist. Type of hair loss products: You have options when it comes to choosing a hair growth product for men. These products come in a range of forms, such as serums, shampoos, oils, foams, prescription medications, light therapy, micro-needling, vitamins and supplements. It's important to choose a product you like and will continue using, and you may want to use some products in conjunction — for instance, a shampoo and a supplement. Just be sure to talk to your dermatologist to make sure the course of action you're taking makes sense for your type of hair loss. Budget: Hair growth products for men are an investment and, again, you'll need to use them consistently to see the best results. With that, it's important to determine how much you feel comfortable spending on a regular basis and choose a treatment from there. While there are a range of price points on the market, doctors say spending more isn't necessarily better. Instead, it's important to choose the right product for you with the key ingredients that address your condition. Prescription vs. nonprescription hair growth treatment: If your hair loss is extreme, it's a good idea to consult with a board-certified dermatologist for guidance. They can help you decide on the right treatment for you, which may include prescription oral medications like finasteride (Propecia), spironolactone (CaroSpir, Aldactone) or dutasteride (Avodart). (back to top) To find the best hair growth products for men, we spoke with multiple dermatologists and hair loss experts for their input on key ingredients to look for and if one therapy or treatment was superior. Then we researched over 40 hair regrowth products for men, rating each based on use of the highest quality ingredients, easy application methods, safety, success rate and reviews from firsthand users. (back to top) Many factors go into whether a hair growth product will work for you, including the cause of your hair loss, how advanced it is and which products you choose. Not every hair growth product works for everyone, so you may need to do some trial and error to find one that's comfortable and effective. However, dermatologists say that these products typically will deliver good results — and they're constantly getting better. "We can expect hair loss to one day be a thing of the past," says Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, a board-certified plastic surgeon focusing on hair loss. Using a hair growth product or treatment like a derma roller or light therapy cap can all help promote hair growth (consult with your dermatologist if you're unsure which one is right for you). It's important to start sooner rather than later since these products typically work best when you intervene early. At the same time, dermatologist Jose Diego Mier tells Yahoo Life that "you can promote good hair from the inside out. That means eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and proteins to give your body the nutrients it needs to support hair health and growth." It's also a good idea to stay hydrated and do your best to manage your stress levels, he says. Every person — and every product — is different. However, most hair growth and hair-thinning products say that users should notice a change in six to eight weeks. Again, using products sooner is your best bet for success. It's hard to give a blanket recommendation, given that every person's needs are different. However, a product with a 5% minoxidil solution, or prescription Finsterade, has been leading the charge. It's often considered a top-tier treatment that works for most men. If you're unsure, consult a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. They should be able to help steer you toward the best treatment for you. (back to top) Amy Forman Taub, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Harvard-trained Mohs surgeon Glenn Vallecillos, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon Jose Diego Mier, MD, board-certified dermatologist The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication. (back to top) Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
