Junk Food Triggers Human "Bliss Point"

Former FDA chief David Kessler claims in his new book The End of Overeating that snacks, cereals, and prepared meals devised by food scientists can act on the reward centers of the brain in the same way as tobacco. He argues that manufacturers are seeking to trigger a “bliss point” when people eat certain products, leaving them hungry for more. Though Kessler may be an inveterate nanny-state advocate, even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

Junk foods such as Snickers bars and ketchup really are irresistible. Manufacturers have created combinations of fat, sugar and salt that are so tasty many people cannot stop eating them even when full, according to America’s former food standards watchdog.

David Kessler, former head of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has warned that snacks, cereals and ready meals devised by food scientists can act on the reward centres of the brain in the same way as tobacco.

He argues that manufacturers are seeking to trigger a “bliss point” when people eat certain products, leaving them hungry for more. Read more