First: Did you know that "fat" is actually a flavor, just like sweet, salty, sour and bitter? According to Dr. Richard Mattes, a nutrition professor at Purdue University, fat is more than just a texture or "mouth-feel" as scientists have long believed. Through research, he discovered that it has an actual aroma and flavor. Mattes says this explains why fat-free foods are so second-rate. When we can't taste the flavor of the fat we're used to, it gives us the impression that what we're eating is phony - and leaves us unsatisfied.
And second: Attention Deficit Disorder occurs more often in obese people than in those who aren't. Jules Altfas works for the Behavioral Medical Center for Treatment and Research. She studied obese patients and found that more than 1 in 4 suffered from ADD. And she says that the rate jumped to just 1 in 2 for the most overweight, or morbidly obese, patients. Altfas believes the link is strong due to impulsive behavior and an inability to keep track of one's diet.
