With nearly 67% of American’s overweight or obese and billions of dollars being spent in health care fighting weight related illnesses and diseases, our nations’ weight problem is approaching epidemic status. Research investigating our tendencies with food control have revealed interesting results about the addictive nature of certain foods as well as responses in brain chemistry that are similar to those of drug addicts.
Some research suggests that obese people may lack brain receptors for dopamine, which is our feel good chemical. The brains of obese people and drug addicts look similar, both having fewer dopamine receptors than the normal subjects studied. With fewer dopamine receptors, both drug addicts and obese people have the propensity to consume things like drugs and high-fat sugary foods that help release dopamine. The more feel good one gets, the more of that substance is desired setting in motion the stage for compulsive consumption and addiction.
The food industry is notorious for finding ways to sneak into foods excess sugar and salt, seeking out that magical blend of taste that brings us back for more and more. One study conducted on lab rats showed just how addictive high fat, high sugar foods can be. Two groups of rats were studied looking at brain patterns for pleasure. A control group which was fed a mix of highly nutritious-low calorie rat chow and a test group that was fed store bought junk food, high in fat and sugar. After 5 days of the high fat diet, the test rats developed compulsive eating habits, consuming double the amount of calories than the control group. In addition, the brains of the test rats showed a significant reduction in the sensitivity of these pleasure receptors. The test rats needed more to feel the same pleasure, similar to research on drug addiction. To show the power of this addiction, researchers used a foot shock placed in front of the food. The control rats quickly stopped eating after being shocked, while the test rats, which had been given a steady diet of the high fat food, continued to go back for more and more, despite the shock they received. Weeks after returning to a normal diet, the test rats refused to eat rat chow, suggesting that excess fat and sugar consumption can actually alter brain chemistry and permanently change responses to food.
As research continues to emerge about the brains’ response to food, these studies are alarming as to the power that food can have over us. Genetics and ones’ environment are also factors in addiction and obesity and some research shows how often one is exposed to an addictive substance can alter brain chemistry as well.
Obesity has a growing list of contributing factors as we continue to learn more about the complexity of the relationship between food, our bodies and our health. Take control over your environment by limiting the high fat, sugary foods you keep readily available in your household. Check labels for hidden sugars and fats. Make sure all your staples, items such as breads, cereals, pasta, rice, sauces, soups, etc. are the healthiest they can be. Choose whole grains and eliminate or at least limit processed and refined foods. They have little nutritional value and often contain excess sugars and fats. This is a lot more challenging than you might think, once you become a savvy label reader. Make the grocery store outing a mission to seek out the healthiest options you can! You will be amazed at the excess you are feeding yourself and your loved ones once you start reading labels! Take can control where and when you can and create the healthiest life possible!
