Compulsive Overeating, Processed Foods, and Obesity

Behaviours and patterns associated with compulsive eating include food cravings, loss of self-control, continued overeating and failed attempts to stop the behaviour pattern.

Some people compulsively eat specific foods, such as highly processed foods full of carbohydrates and fats.

Research states that processed foods contain unusually high concentrations of fats and sugars. As a result, it can cause some people to become addicted to them.

Processed foods high in sugar, fat, or salt trigger the release of "feel-good" brain chemicals. When some people feel those rewards of pleasure, they will desire more of that particular food and eventually lose control over their eating behaviour, inevitably leading to weight gain and increased health risks.