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Binging on high-calorie foods, long known as the main cause of the global obesity, may be as addictive as cocaine or heroin, a new study finds. According to the study published in Nature Neuroscience, rats may become addicted on a bad diet in the same way people become dependent on cocaine or heroin, indicating that the brain reacts similarly to junk food and drugs. Overconsumption of high-calories food in rats triggers addiction-like responses in the brain, leading to compulsive eating behavior and, subsequently, obesity.

Individuals borne with love levels of dopamine – a neurotransmitter involved in the feeling of pleasure or reward – are overweight. Low levels of the brain chemical is also linked to drug addition. “It presents the most thorough and compelling evidence that drug addition and obesity are based on the same underlying neurobiological mechanisms,” said lead researcher Paul Kenny.

Scientists hope their findings would pave the way for the development of more effective strategies to fight obesity worldwide. “Obesity may be a form of compulsive eating. Other treatments in development for other forms of compulsion, for example drug addiction, may be very useful for the treatment of obesity,” added Kenny.

Source: presstv.com

Below is some information on why you should avoid alcohol use after gastric bypass surgery, though much of it also applies to any weight loss surgery. You can also download a PDF of the text from the link at the below.

Alcohol Use after Gastric Bypass Surgery

Improved health and longevity lead you to the decision to pursue gastric bypass surgery for long term weight management. As you continue on your weight loss journey, limiting the use of alcohol is strongly recommended.

Why?

After gastric bypass surgery drinking alcohol, even in small amounts, significantly increases your risk of intoxication.

Alcohol passes directly from the stomach pouch into the jejunum after gastric bypass surgery. This portion of the intestine readily and rapidly absorbs alcohol. This leads to a pronounced feeling of inebriation during and shortly after drinking, which can impair your ability to perform many ordinary tasks (including operating a motor vehicle).

Alcohol can lead to serious health problems such as liver damage and ultimately addiction. The breakdown of alcohol in the liver is toxic to the liver and can lead to inflammation. Chronic inflammation leads to scarring (or cirrhosis of the liver). This scarring impairs liver function which can lead to liver failure and death.

Alcohol can lead to nutritional compromise – blocking the absorption of many vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A, Thiamine (vitamin B1), folic acid, and Vitamin C are a few deficiencies that can occur. Gastric bypass surgery also increases the risk of nutritional deficiencies by blocking absorption of certain vitamins and dietary components. Persistent lack of these important dietary components can lead to impaired health and diseases.

Alcohol is empty calories with no nutritional benefits. A 12-oz can of beer has about 110 calories, 3.5 oz glass of wine has 70 calories, and 1.5 oz of liquor has 160 calories. After gastric bypass, it is important to get the most nutrition for the calories you consume. Alcohol is high in calories but with no nutritional benefit. Consumption of these beverages may reduce a patient’s maximal weight loss success.

It is important to understand the risks associated with alcohol consumption after gastric bypass. We want you to be healthy after surgery and for the rest of your life. Ideally, abstaining from alcohol is the best decision you can make for your health!

Alcohol Use After RNY.pdf