THE END OF OVEREATING

The former FDA commissioner takes an analytical approach to preventing obesity. Viewing unhealthy eating habits as mainly psychological rewards, he explains how our brains feel an opiate-like high when we eat foods that have the right combination of sugar, fat, and salt. He says these positive associations, including our response to peripheral factors like eating environments and packaging, are what lead us to addictive cycles of desire and overeating. Blair Hardman’s effortless phrasing softens the book's scientific underpinnings and captures the author's empathy toward everyone who overeats. The book's deftly paced descriptions of research, food industry practices, and helpful insights on changing hard-wired eating patterns make it intelligent and accessible. T.W. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2011]