Ever wondered why, just half and hour after a delicious meal from a well-known fast food burger chain, you're craving more?Well it's no surprise, say scientists. According to new research, a junk food diet is almost as addictive as heroin.
Foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat will soon have you reaching for more, according to research by neuroscientist Dr Paul Kenny.
And the more you eat, the more you need to eat to feel good as junk becomes a substitute for happiness.
Dr Kenny told the Telegraph: "You lose control. It's the hallmark of addiction.
"This is the most complete evidence to date that suggests obesity and drug addiction have common neuro-biological foundations."
By dividing rats into three groups – one group eating healthily, one group eating restricted amounts of junk food and the third given the freedom to eat unlimited junk – Dr Kenny discovered that those that were set no limits quickly began binge-eating.
And by electronically stimulating the part of the brain that feels pleasure, researchers found that the binge-eating rats needed more and more to feel happy.
So the next time you find yourself reaching for that third slice of cake, remember it'll be more next time round.
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