Does taste contribute to weight gain?

Researchers say "probably"

• There are multiple links between taste perceptions, taste preferences, food preferences, and food choices and the amount of food we eat.

• The "set point" for the body weight seems to be determined by psychological factors

• Palatability elevates body-weight set point

• Particular sensory and nutrient combinations in foods can facilitate overeating

What can one do? There's how to outwit the body weight set point . Read these weight loss tips. What you really crave, can be not food at all. Why?<>In some respects, it has to do with endorphins. We often overeat to comfort ourselves during periods of stress, pain, or boredom - the situations that Endorphins are created to ease. Eating is only one of the ways to make them release into the blood. Besides, they can directly control eating: the less endorphins -- the worse overeating (Am. J. Psychiatry 148:1086-1090; 1992)<>

We know that eating will produce a pleasant sensation so we eat even all we need is to comfort ourselves. Some leading experts advise to ask oneself every time you feel the urge to open the refrigerator: "What is it I really need? A glass of water? A walk? A hug (to say the least)?" Some reveal engaging in even very exotic measures like laying on the bed of nails or holding the breath (to gain some carbon dioxide). The truth is, all these will increase endorphin level while only eating, especially when your body does not need it, will cause extra pounds of fat to collect in your body's stores.

Tanya Zilberter, PhD