Recent research, involving brain imaging, suggests that the possibility of food addiction for some people is real. This research found a link between items such as white breads, pasta and potatoes and the urge to eat.

The study used real time MRI to monitor the brain activity of 12 individuals, all overweight men between ages 18 and 35, during a 4 hour period after their most recent meal. Scientists have long believed this 4 hour time block is essential for establishing eating behavior during the next meal. The participants’ blood glucose and hunger levels were also recorded during this time frame as well.

The meal served to the study participants consisted of 2 nutritional shakes containing the same amount of calories, having the same taste and being equally sweet. The only difference between the two was the high-glycemic carbs in one and the low-glycemic carbs in the other.

The glycemic index of foods determines how high blood sugar levels rise after consumption. Foods containing high-glycemic carbs are processed quickly by the body, while low-glycemic foods are processed at a much slower pace.

In every study participant, a surge in blood sugar levels occurred immediately after consuming the high glycemic shakes. Four hours later, each participant also experienced a sharp decline in blood sugar levels and reported intense feelings of hunger. The MRI’s were conducted during that “crash” and found increased activity in areas of the brain linked to drug addiction.

High-glycemic carbs are often found in highly processed foods. The study suggests that the consumption of these carbs can induce hunger and stimulate areas of the brain responsible for cravings and rewards. These same areas are linked to cravings and rewards in drug addiction and dependency as well.

Neurotransmitters, known as dopamine, are involved in the reward process of the brain. When addictive substances are introduced to the body, a flood of dopamine is released by the brain. This creates a feeling of happiness and satisfaction.

Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers believe the study’s findings could have many implications for weight loss in obese individuals. Dr. David Ludwig, study director and director of The New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center at Boston Children’s Hospital, believes the key to weight management, in these cases, is through limiting high-glycemic foods such as white breads, white rice and potatoes.