Fatty Foods Can Be As Addictive As Cocaine

Posted on August 17, 2010 by Lolita Carrico

Have you ever heard the saying too much of a good thing is bad for you?

A study done on rats showed that foods high in calories and fat had the same affect on the brain as cocaine and heroin.  When the rats ate these types of foods (think cheesecake) in large amounts, they would compulsively eat, much like a drug addiction.  The “pleasure centers” of the brain become overloaded and crash, resulting in the need for more fatty foods to keep them high.

This food addiction may be a reason for obesity.  Even though the study was done on rats and doesn’t directly relate to humans, it’s a glimpse inside how the brain mechanism works.  One day this research may help when trying to find cures for obesity.

Thinking about it, when I do have my “off days” and indulge in junk food, I always tend to over indulge.  From french fries to brownie sundaes – maybe this is my excuse.  More of a reason not to start in the first place!