Scientists from Scripps Research Institute claim junk food is as addictive as tobacco and drugs. Fatty and sweet foods activate pleasure centers in the brain, leading to addiction.
Researchers fed lab rats with hot-dogs, cheesecakes and bacon. Very soon the rats stated showing signs of addiction. Rats lost control to the extent that they kept eating even when researchers tried to drive them away by harsh light and shocks. When the rats were given healthy food instead of junk food, they simply stopped eating.
Tests demonstrated biochemical changes in the rats’ bodies, in particular the rise in dopamine levels. Similar changes were observed in the rats on heroine.
The scientists conclude that current obesity crisis is rooted in neurobiological mechanisms. Junk food makes us behave like drug-addicts.
Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/lockstockb.
