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The End of Overeating - Former FDA Commissioner Talks Food
Posted on Jul 17th 2009 2:00PM by Mary KearlFiled Under: Diet & Weight Loss
Dr. David A. Kessler, former FDA commissioner and author of "The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite"
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| Photo: Courtesy of Rodale |
David A. Kessler: Genetics, metabolism and exercise do influence a person's weight to a certain extent. For the majority of people, however, the amount of food they eat is the chief culprit in weight gain. Because food has become so energy dense, the traditional "calories in, calories out" balance is tipped on the side of intake. You can't separate quality and quantity -- foods that are highly processed and loaded and layered with sugar, fat and salt are much more likely to be eaten to excess.
TF: How does the combination of sugar, fat and/or salt in our food competely break down our willpower over time?
DK: Combinations of fat and sugar, fat and salt and fat, sugar, and salt stimulate us to eat more and more. They activate the reward centers of our brains and lead us into a never-ending cycle of consumption. The power of food comes as much from the anticipation of food as from the consumption. Once the brain is activated, attempts to resist only increase the desire. That's the stuff of cravings.
TF: After researching for this book, do you feel like you have more control over what and when you eat? Do you avoid processed foods and fast food?
DK: For the first time, I've been able to keep my weight where I want it and stable for an extended period of time. I have changed the way I look at food. Huge portions no longer interest me. Nor does food that is loaded and layered with fat, sugar and salt. I now eat in a much more structured way.
I've trained myself to eat much smaller amounts than I did in the past. I'm selective about what "fast food" I will eat. I realize now that foods that are highly processed will not satisfy me, they will only stimulate me, so I try to avoid them. I'm not always successful.
