We are conditioned by evolution to seek sugar. When food was scarce, finding calorie-dense sugar was like hitting the nutritional jackpot. Binge-eating sugar causes brain chemical changes similar to those seen in drug addicts. However, now that food is plentiful in much of the developed world and many of the foods we eat are packed with sugar, too many of us consume far too much sugar. Although it isn't easy, by cutting down on sugar, we can retrain our palate to expect less sweetness in our food.

TAKE A MODERATE APPROACH VIDEOS

CHAPTER 1 Everything In Moderation Different parts of the brain spur you to make responsible decisions, or indulge in excess. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 4 Leptin Controls Appetite The hormone leptin tells your body when you have had enough to eat. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 6 (currently viewing) Hooked On Sugar We have a natural urge for sweetness, but we can kick the habit. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 9 Apple-Shaped Vs. Pear-Shaped Everyone stores fat, but how much and where we store it makes a big difference to our health. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 10 What Is Inflammation? Overweight and obese people are more likely to suffer from chronic inflammation. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 12 The Complexities Of Addiction Addiction has physical, psychological and social components. VIEW VIDEO

CHAPTER 16 Obesity Is Toxic How do obese people develop insulin resistance and diabetes? VIEW VIDEO