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Organized by: Brains and Barstools — https://www.eventbrite.com/o/114602262361Brains and Barstools brings captivating professors to Canada bars for vivid lectures that spark curiosity and connection over drinks.
On December 14, we present in Ottawa : "The Stress Snack: Why We Eat Our Feelings" by Prof. Alfonso Abizaid
Expect a fascinating evening exploring the surprising relationship between stress, hormones, and our appetite — and why a difficult day can leave us reaching for the ice cream.
We often associate stress with losing our appetite. But have you ever noticed that after a particularly stressful day, you find yourself reaching for snacks, ordering comfort food, or finishing the entire tub of ice cream?
It turns out that stress doesn't always make us eat less. Chronic stressors, particularly socially stressful situations, can actually increase our consumption of food, especially the kinds we find most satisfying.
One possible explanation lies in ghrelin, a hormone produced by the stomach that stimulates appetite. While ghrelin plays an important role in regulating hunger, it is also released when we experience stress. Research suggests that this hormone may be one of the reasons we overconsume calories when stress becomes a regular part of our lives.
In this fascinating lecture, Prof. Alfonso Abizaid explores how stress hormones influence the way we eat, behave, and metabolize food. Drawing on research from his lab, he examines how socially stressful experiences can trigger ghrelin release and how this hormonal response may contribute to increased appetite, metabolic imbalances, and ultimately obesity.
� About the incredible Prof. Alfie Abizaid
Prof. Alfonso Abizaid is a Full Professor at Carleton University, where his research examines the relationship between stress, hormones, behaviour, and metabolism.
Born in Mexico City, he completed his PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience at Concordia University before undertaking a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale School of Medicine.
His research focuses on the hormones released in response to stress and how they can alter behaviour and metabolism. A particular focus of his work is ghrelin, the appetite-stimulating hormone that may help explain why chronic stress can lead us to consume more food.
Join us for an evening exploring the science behind stress eating — and the hormones that might be influencing your next snack.
� Date: December 14th, 2026
� Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
� Location: Avant-Garde Bar
� Speaker: Prof. Alfie Abizaid
� Seats are limited!
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Event venue
Avant-Garde Bar & Gift Shop, 135 Besserer Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 5X6, CA, Canada
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