Role of Olfaction for Eating Behavior

Synopsis Our olfactory system not only detects chemicals in the external environment but also subserves to detect the chemicals in our internal environment - the chemistry of energy homeostasis and metabolism. Olfaction guides our eating behavior using an array of neuroendocrine molecules that are detected across the main olfactory epithelium, the olfactory bulb, and higher cortical regions. Both metabolic state (fasting, satiation) and metabolic balance (obesity, metabolic disease) can affect olfactory-regulated eating behaviors. This review will delve into the physiological and behavioral link between olfaction, metabolism, eating, and health.