While seemingly controversial, evidence exists that foods high in fat and sugar have an opiate-like effect on the body and brain that ultimately leads to dependence on fat and sugar, according to Bart Hoebel, Professor of Psychology at Princeton University. Addictions to food can be overwhelming for those who are affected, leading to obesity, problems sleeping, irritability and other changes in mood and even depression.
Binge Eating
In a 2009 study published in "The Journal of Nutrition," researchers argued that sugary and fatty foods have a different effect on the brain than less fatty foods, such as broccoli. In the study, rats were given sugary and fatty drinks and foods at inconsistent times, and they binged on those foods whenever they were offered. The researchers claimed that bingeing on sugar and fat had drug-like effects on the brain and mirrored the drug use of opiate addicts.
Dopamine, Food and Opiates
Sugar and fat, like many recreational and addictive drugs, cause your brain to release dopamine, a feel-good chemical. According to a study published in 2005 in "Neuroscience" journal, eating sugary and fatty foods daily releases a repeated dose of dopamine, similar to the brain's reaction to opiate drugs. Eating sugary and fatty foods regularly will cause you to need more of the sugary foods to satiate your cravings and to release the same amount of dopamine -- similar to what occurs with drug abuse and addictive behaviors.
Pleasure and Rewards
According to a 2009 literature review on food addiction and obesity, published in the "Journal of Addiction Medicine," bingeing on sugary and fatty foods affects the brain in the areas of reward, learning, motivation and memory. The release of dopamine after eating sugary or fatty foods sets off the reward mechanisms within the brain, making you feel good and the food seemingly more pleasurable. This is similar to how the brain reacts to drugs such as cocaine and heroine.
Withdrawal
Behavioral evidence of the addictive properties of sugar seen in "The Journal of Nutrition" study was found when the rats' sugar and fat were taken away. The rats experienced teeth chattering; their paws and heads shook; and they exhibited signs of anxiety. Some rats even experienced a lower body temperature and aggressive behavior once their sugar diet had been removed. This study is evidence that sugary and fatty foods have tangible addictive properties when eaten regularly.
Symptoms of Food Addiction
Signs that someone may be addicted to food include being obsessed with food or constantly thinking about food and not being able to control food consumption -- especially fatty and sugary foods -- known as binge eating. Someone who is addicted to food may try to hide while eating to avoid questions or may feel guilty after eating. A physical craving may also accompany food, sugar or fat addiction. If you think you may have a food addiction, speak with your physician.
References
- Cleveland Clinic; Food Addiction; May 2007
- "Association for Psychological Science"; Addicted to Food: An Interview with Bart Hoebel; Linda Bartoshuk; November 2009
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Sugar and Fat Bingeing Have Notable Differences in Addictive-like Behavior; Nicole M. Avena, et al.; March 2009
- "Neuroscience"; Daily Bingeing on Sugar Repeatedly Releases Dopamine in the Accumbens Shell; Pedro Rada, et al.; April 2005
- "Journal of Addiction Medicine"; Imaging of Brain Dopamine Pathways; Gene-Jack Wang, et al.; March 2009
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