Evidence suggests that it is relatively easy to overeat processed foods that are high in sugar and fat because they act as drugs in the brain. Such food, which includes most junk and fast foods, are able to activate similar neuronal responses to addictive drugs, and this is one reason they are relatively easy to overeat and therefore cause weight gain. As weight gain and insulin resistance develop from eating these foods, changes to the appetite regulatory mechanisms occur, and this results in a situation where the consumer does not register that they have eaten sufficient energy for metabolic needs. In contrast, high quality food does not have drug like effects in the brain, and this means that it is not addictive like junk food. Following consumption of high quality food, the normal appetite regulatory systems activate, and as energy intake increases, the desire to eat food diminishes. This prevents overeating and means that weight gain from consuming high quality food is very unlikely, even if it is tasty and desirable.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
