Is fast food really addictive?
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Dr. Mike Dow answered:When you consider that a glass of wine and the amount of fat in a cheeseburger release about the same amount of dopamine in the brain, you can understand why both alcohol and fatty food can be addictive, so yes. In studies, we see the same withdrawal symptoms in rats given fatty food all the time just like rats given cocaine, so yes - it is. Occasional exposure doesn’t cause addiction with fast food. Think of it like tequila. Having a shot once in awhile on a Friday night is fine for non-alcoholics, but if you had tequila with every meal, we have a problem.When you consider that a glass of wine and the amount of fat in a cheeseburger release about the same amount of dopamine in the brain, you can understand why both alcohol and fatty food can be addictive, so yes. In studies, we see the same... More -
Judy Caplan of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics answered:It can be due to the high levels of fat, sodium, and sugar. These extreme tastes can lead to craving salty, sweet, and fatty foods. Fast food tends to be processed, lacking fiber and nutrients. These missing ingredients can cause drops in blood sugar which can lead to sweet cravings. Mostly though, fast food is addictive in the sense that besides having intense flavors it is easy and cheap which makes it so desirable. Extremely greasy foods are satisfying and some think excite areas if the brain that are associated with addiction.It can be due to the high levels of fat, sodium, and sugar. These extreme tastes can lead to craving salty, sweet, and fatty foods. Fast food tends to be processed, lacking fiber and nutrients. These missing ingredients can cause drops in blood... More
