Maladaptive eating habits are a major cause of obesity today. While we know that the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) in the brain influences eating behaviors in rodents, there's limited evidence from primates, including humans.

In this study, researchers used a method called chemogenetics in three macaques to explore the role of LHA neurons that produce GABA, a neurotransmitter. They found that activating these LHAGABA neurons increased natural eating behaviors driven by goals and heightened motivation to eat, particularly for tasty foods. Advanced imaging techniques like positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the effects of neuron activation.

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, the study also showed that activating LHAGABA neurons strengthened connections between the LHA and frontal brain areas, while reducing connections among frontal regions.

Overall, this research sheds light on how LHAGABA neurons influence eating behaviors in primates such as macaques. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for new treatments for obesity in both primates and humans.