The British journal Nature Neuroscience reported on the 28th that binging on junk food like greasy sausages, French fries, and hamburgers can be addictive, similar to the dependency drug addicts have on narcotics.
Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute in California conducted a study using laboratory rats. In the experiment, the researchers fed the rats foods such as sausages, bacon, and cheesecake.
The study found that after frequently eating high-calorie, high-fat foods, changes occurred in the rats' brains that were similar to the changes seen in the brains of animals addicted to drugs like cocaine and heroin.
The experiment revealed that rats addicted to junk food developed an aversion to healthy foods.
"The evidence is overwhelming and compelling. Drug addiction and food addiction are based on the same neurobiological mechanisms," said Paul Kenny, an associate professor at the institute. "The study shows that the rats have completely lost control over their eating habits, which is a fundamental characteristic of addiction."
Kenny said that the addicted rats, having lost control, developed a habit of overeating, leading to obesity. "They always choose the junk food, and as a result, they consume twice as many calories as normal rats."