Study: High Glycemic Foods May Trigger Food Addiction

BOSTONHigh-glycemic foods may trigger the same brain mechanism tied to addiction, according to a study published in The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition.

Researchers from the Boston Children's Hospital found that consuming highly processed carbohydrates can cause excess hunger and stimulate brain regions involved in rewards and cravings. Such findings suggest that limiting high glycemic index foods could help obese individuals avoid overeating. "Beyond reward and craving, this part of the brain is also linked to substance abuse dependence, which raised the question as to whether certain foods might be addictive," said David Ludwig, M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the study, director, New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center.

In an examination of this link, researchers measured blood glucose levels and hunger, while also using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to observe brain activity during the crucial four-hour period after a meal, which will influence eating behavior during the next meal. Researchers had 12 overweight or obese men consume test meals designed as milkshakes with the same calories, taste and sweetness. However, one milkshake contained rapidly digesting (high-glycemic index) carbohydrates and the other had slowly digesting (low-glycemic index) carbohydrates. Results showed that compared to those who consumed the low-glycemic index milkshake, participants who had consumed the high-glycemic index milkshake experience an initial spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a sharp crash four hours later. This decrease in blood glucose was associated with excessive hunger and intense activation of the nucleus accumbens, which is a critical brain region involved in addictive behaviors. "These findings suggest that limiting high-glycemic index carbohydrates like white bread and potatoes could help obese individuals reduce cravings and control the urge to overeat," said Ludwig.

Further, findings suggest that there is a need for more interventional and observational studies to be done. Future research may inform clinicians about the subjective experience of food addiction and how such patients are treated and in terms of regulating their weight.

For more information on how the brain is affected by food visit Brain's Pleasure Responses From Food Measured Through Eyes.