Are simple carbohydrates physiologically addictive?

Abstract

Dieting, obesity and eating disorders are soemtimes considered to belong to the domain of addictive behaviour (e.g. Orford, 1985; Nirenberg & Maisto, 1987). One aspect of eating problems may be the effects of carbohydrates on behaviour and this review will consider the proposal that sugars or other carbohydrates have drug-like effects on human physiology which would largely explain their use, particularly their use despite adverse effects such as obesity. It has been suggested that carbohydrates lead to substance-specific cravings (Wurtman, 1990). Broadly, these include effects on subjective mood and on subsequent eating behaviour which might be regarded as signs of addiction.