Prefrontal cortex immaturity and reward circuit hijacking: Why anti-obesity policies fail to protect children from ultra-processed food overconsumption

Figure 2 Vicious cycle of ultra-processed foods consumption in children and adolescents. The diagram illustrates a self-perpetuating neurobehavioral loop initiated by: A: Anticipation or visual/olfactory exposure to ultra-processed foods, which elicits anticipatory happiness and craving via amygdala activation; B: Ingestion activates gustatory (cranial nerves VII, IX, X) and post-ingestive (gut-brain) reward pathways; C: Massive dopamine release in the NAc, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex produces intense hedonic pleasure and forms strong emotional memories; D: Subsequent everyday stress, anxiety, or negative affect reactivates the cycle via amygdala-driven cravings. This loop is exacerbated by prefrontal immaturity and contributes to compulsive overeating despite known health consequences.