Is Obesity Just An Effect of Body Chemistry?

If you ever felt the need of taking a snack after you just ate, then you should know this could be a cause of an overactive chemical system that regulates food intake, body weight, appetite, and fat metabolism.

The endocannabinoid (EC) system is activated when you consume high-fat or high-carbohydrate food and it makes you feel hungrier, drives to weight gain, and increases body fat, according to Dr. Louis J. Arrone, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Program at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center.

It was shown that obese people have an overactive EC system, so obesity it`s not just a problem of drugs that don`t work or lack of willpower, it`s also about the body`s counterbalancing mechanisms that stops weight loss, said Dr. Arrone.

Receptors of the EC system can be blocked and so appetite and weight gain would be under control. Blocking cannabinoid receptors is also beneficial when it comes to reducing risks for Type two diabetes and heart disease.

However, nutritionists have different strategies that may help you decrease the urge of a snack. For example, wait five to fifteen minutes, distract yourself with other activities, drink a glass of water, or just have a small portion of a treat.

It may help if you eat food high in water and fiber that gives you a sense of fullness. What can you do to stop overeating? Try some of the following tips:

- Control portion size by using smaller plates.
- Eat slowly because it takes twenty minutes until the brain is aware you`re full.
- Don`t watch TV or do other activities while you`re eating.
- Avoid restaurants and buffets which promote overeating (all-you-can-eat buffets).
- Be aware of how much you`re going to eat.
- Consume low-calorie foods that make you feel fuller, such as fruits or vegetables.

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