Science Just Explained Why You Always Have Room for Dessert — and It’s Wild
You’ve just polished off a massive Sunday roast. You’re full to the point of needing a nap (or a new waistband), and yet… someone casually mentions pudding. Suddenly, your brain forgets how full you are, and you find yourself reaching for the sticky toffee. Sound familiar?
Well, you’re not alone — and there’s actually a scientific reason for this very British phenomenon. It’s called “dessert stomach”, and while it sounds like something made up to justify a second helping of cheesecake, it turns out your brain is sneakily involved, reported MSN.
A new study from the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Germany has shed some light on why our bodies say “no more” but our minds scream “just one bite”. Researchers zeroed in on a group of neurons in the brain called POMC neurons — they sit in the hypothalamus, the bit that handles things like hunger, thirst, and that glorious post-dinner slump.
Here’s the twist: These same neurons that tell you you’re full are also involved in triggering cravings for sugar. So yes, the same system that’s supposed to be saying “you’re done” is double-crossing you with whispers of chocolate fudge cake.
Dr. Britta Reierson, an obesity medicine specialist, explained it pretty simply: just thinking about dessert can activate these neurons, releasing beta-endorphins — aka your brain’s little pleasure fireworks. And when those go off, that dessert looks 10 times more tempting.
From an evolutionary standpoint, it all kind of makes sense. Back in the day, sugar wasn’t exactly growing on trees (well, apart from actual fruit), so our brains learned to go all-in when they had the chance. “Sugar provides quick energy,” said Henning Fenselau, who led the study. “The brain is programmed to control the intake of sugar whenever it is available.” So even in 2025, when sugar is absolutely everywhere, that ancient wiring still kicks in.
But don’t worry — giving in to your dessert stomach doesn’t mean all is lost. There are ways to outsmart those sweet urges without totally depriving yourself.
You could start with a smart swap — something like a piece of dark chocolate or some fruit with a drizzle of honey. Still indulgent, just not over the top. Or chew gum after dinner — apparently, the chewing motion helps signal fullness to your brain, which might just make you forget about the tiramisu calling your name.
Another trick? Go for smaller portions. A scoop of ice cream instead of a bowl, or better yet, share it. And if you fancy something homemade, that’s even better — baking at home lets you control the ingredients, swap in healthier bits, and still satisfy your sweet tooth.
So yes, your dessert stomach is very real. But with a few clever moves, you can keep it in check — and still enjoy the sweet stuff without unbuttoning your jeans.