The End of Overeating

A couple of weeks ago, one of the dietitians I volunteer with recommended for me to read "The End of Overeating" by David A. Kessler, MD. I quickly ordered it online and began reading it today. Dr. Kessler explores the science behind human appetite, the exploitation of the industry and what can be done to overcome this cycle of overeating. The book is composed of six parts: Sugar Fat and Salt, The Food Industry, Conditioned Hypereating Emerges, The Theory of Treatment, Food Rehab and The End of Overeating. As I go through the book, I will post updates on the main points and interesting findings of each section. Hopefully some of you will decide to read the book too!

Sugar, Fat and Salt

It's only my first day with the book and I breezed by the first section. The main idea is: why do most individuals have such an obsession with food? Why can't we seem to resist a freshly baked slice of pizza that's infront of us? Even when we aren't hungry, having these sorts of food in our sight quickly stimulates an urge to consume them. An inner battle then begins within us. "I can't have it, I'm not even hungry! But oh it looks so good! Maybe just one bite? Who am I kidding? I want the whole thing!". Animals find high-fat and high-sugar foods (especially when combined) very palatable and initial pleasure received when consuming these foods leads to behaviors that increase the chance of experiencing the same kind of pleasure again. These highly palatable foods stimulate the activation of the opioid circuits which allow the body to perceive a rewarding experience. Endorphin release while eating creates that feeling of pleasure and dopamine release motivates us to search for the same experience again. Cues ranging from sensory input to emotions and memories increase dopamine release that further encourages us to seek rewarding foods. Research also shows that the intake of sugar, salt and fat in food begins a cycle in us to eat more of these foods. An optimal combination of these ingredients in food results in a hyperpalatable food. We are left feeling with minimal control over our desire of consumption. This is what most companies in the food industry strive for; a perfect combination between salt, sugar and fat. The next section on the food industry seems like it will focus on the extensive research done in order to achieve this and the steps taken to influence individuals to consume their products.