Junk Food as Addictive as Cocaine

Researchers at the University of Oregon have found that junk food could be just as addictive in humans as cocaine. The high quantities of fat , sugar and salt in junk food can give people the same cravings as hard drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Brain-imaging techniques and genetic studies were used to prove that the same brain pathways are activated – the pleasure sensors known as the dopamine D2 receptors. Dopamine is a brain chemical released in response to experiences that create feelings of wellbeing, such as eating and sex. The problem is us humans eat too much junk food, and it dampens the sensitivity of our dopamine receptors. As a result we eat more and more food to achieve the feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, and the weight piles on.