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In New Hampshire, almost two out of three adults and more than a quarter of our children are overweight or obese. NHPR’s series explores the causes, the consequences, and some promising solutions to a growing crisis.Fast Facts about Obesity in NH BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY: The HNHfoundation

Is food addiction a myth?

(Photo by Adam Kuban via Flickr Creative Commons)

Bet you can’t eat just one. The Lays potato chip campaign plays on the idea of snacking out of control. From Oprah to "The Biggest Loser," people describe themselves like addicts, needing one more bite of fatty, salty, sugary foods, knowing full well that remorse will follow their mouthful of pleasure.

Scientists are now dipping into the popular idea that humans can be addicted to junk food, and some evidence points to that not being quite so accurate. Maggie Koerth-Baker has been watching the topic unfold for Boing Boing,where she is science editor.

Our 2010 interviewwith David Kessler, who argued in favor of food being designed to appeal to addicts.

 

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