9781422288450

depression in people of “normal” weight also trigger the food cravings many obese people encounter. The chemical imbalance appears to be depleted serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, a well-established factor in depressive disorders and sleepi- ness, is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemicals brain cells release to trigger the action of the next brain cell. Once the neurotransmit- ter has done its work stimulating the next cell, the first cell reabsorbs it to use again. Depleted levels of serotonin occur when cells reabsorb too much serotonin, thereby lessening overall levels in the brain. Consequently, doc- tors have developed a whole class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to counteract this effect. They’re quite effective. What does serotonin have to do with obesity? Depressed people lack sero- tonin, and recent studies suggest that most obese people lack serotonin as well. Carbohydrates, however, seem to stimulate serotonin production. When asked why they eat so much food knowing it’ll just compound their obesity, many people respond that their eating habits have little to do with hunger or taste. Food actually calms them and reduces their anxiety. Research proves the claim. In a recent study, when both carb-craving and non-carb-craving subjects were fed a carbohydrate-rich meal, the cravers’ mood improved for up to three hours after eating. The non-cravers just got sleepy and felt fatigued. Why?

Fat Frustrations

Over 80 percent of those who lose weight eventu- ally regain it (and then some!) unless they imple- ment a lower Calorie maintenance program. (Source: NBC News)

Weighing on Your Mind: The Psychological Impact / 87