14 Feb 2018 --- A diet rich in saturated fat, such as palm oil, and sugar not only leads to obesity, but it also creates inflammation in the nucleus accumbens, a part of the brain that controls mood and the feeling of reward. This inflammation can lead to depressive, anxious and compulsive behavior and disrupt metabolism, according to a study from the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM). The discovery illustrates the vicious circle experienced by people with obesity caused by a diet rich in sugar and saturated fat, with their diet leading to negative emotions, which can stimulate the quest for more comfort through food.