THE UNSTOPPABLE RISE OF BURGERS AND FRIES

C Research suggests that there is an evolutionary reason as to why people compulsively overeat - it is simply part of our innate behaviour.When humans evolved, we did not have the abundant supply of food that we enjoy today, and so eating was more about survival than pleasure. We became more likely to opt for high-calorie foods, with high fat content, that could sustain us through cold winters when the Supply of nourishment became sparse, This explains why a GOO-calorie burger seems so attractive: it awakens cur primal side, makes us feel well fed, inspires contentment. Processed food stimulates the reward response in our brains, so we feel compelled to overeat, and not necessarily in a healthy way. Junk food acts as a trigger for chemicals such as the 'feel-good' dopamine to flood through the brain and induce a sensation of happiness. Meanwhile, high amounts of sugar and sodium (one of the chemicals in salt and other ingredients of fast food) cause a huge surge in blood sugar, pushing it to unnatural levels.

E A number of Studies have shown how young people can become even more addicted to junk food than adults. When a child eats a burger, the same neurological processes occur as in their parents: their brain’s reward system is awoken, dopamine is released, a Spontaneous feeling of excitement results, their blood sugar rockets, and so on. An adult can apply their maturity to understand that this thrill is not entirely without drawbacks, and that hey need to control their urge to eat more. However, a child cannot necessarily see any negative consequences to this urge and the potential effects of their lack of self-control,so they find it far more difficult to exercise restrain: and moderate their food consumption.

F It is common to read or to hear criticism of the junk food industry that does so much to promote the overconsumption of its products. But it does not appear that any of this criticism is changing widespread dietary habits in any substantial way. What is more, the humble burger has been elevated to such a point that many people no longer see it as simple, on—the-go food. It has arguably become a stylish and aspirational part of one’s daily diet. Consider, for example, how some television companies recently made several series of programmes encouraging unnecessary overeating, in which the host devours dish after dish of unhealthy, fatty meals until they are full - and then far, far beyond. While such glamorisation exists, it is difficult to see how our collective march towards a global obesity crisis can ever be halted.