As rates of obesity-related diseases soar, researchers are focusing their attention on why we love our food so much.
Researchers affiliated with the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CR-CHUM) suggest that rich foods may cause similar chemical reactions in the brain to illicit drugs.
In a study published by the International Journal Of Obesity, researchers Stephanie Fulton and Sandeep Sharma reveal these ‘food high’s could ultimately lead to depression as the 'come-downs' take their toll.
"Data shows that obesity is associated with increased risk of developing depression, but we have very little understanding of the neural mechanisms and brain reward patterns that link the two," Fulton said, in a statement.
"We are demonstrating for the first time that the chronic consumption of palatable, high-fat diets has pro-depressive effects."
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The research team used mice to evaluate the relationship between food rewards and resulting behaviour and emotions.
Mice that have been fed a higher-fat diet exhibited signs of being anxious, such as an avoidance of open areas, and of being depressed, such as making less of an effort to escape when trapped, the study reported.
The mice also had higher levels of cortisone in the body, a hormone associated with stress, and their brain chemistry had been altered.
Fulton and her team are part of a research network that is working together to address the biological reasons for obesity and its related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and of course depression.
"Although popular culture jokes about these illnesses and even mocks the people who are suffering, obesity is a serious and major public health issue that already affects hundreds of millions of people. As a society, we must avoid creating stigma and discriminating against obese and depressed people," Fulton said.
"With regards to research, it is urgent that we identify the molecules and neural pathways involved in obesity and obesity-related illnesses."