Born to eat
Similarly to other species of animal, humans have evolved to experience feelings of reward at the thought of eating. These feelings are necessary for our survival, as they ensure that we consume a sufficient amount of food to stay in good health. However, this reward system in our brain can through habit become more easily activated by high calorie foods than low calorie foods, making us more inclined to choose calorific options. In recent times, this combined with easy access to cheap, unhealthy food has led to a rise in obesity.
Healthy rewards
In the study, brain scans revealed that over time the overweight participants who were placed on a weight-loss programme experienced a considerable shift in brain activation. The parts of their brains linked to reward showed much greater activity when they viewed pictures of low-calorie food (as well as lower activity for high calorie food) after 6 months on the programme than before they had started the programme.
All in the head
This suggests that, with time, we can change the reward systems in our brains and reverse junk food cravings, replacing them with cravings for nutritious food. Though this was only a small pilot study, it provides hope for those of us who struggle with our weight, or those who dislike the taste of healthy food. Eat it for long enough and you might just trick yourself into liking it.
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