For some people food does seem to act like a drug on the brain.
Thirty-nine women were screened based on whether they had high or low food addiction scores. Then, as their brains were scanned, they were shown images of a chocolate milkshake or water. Those with the higher food addiction scores had more brain activity in the regions associated with craving.
The scans also showed less activity in a region that reduces the desire to eat.
Researchers say these brain patterns are similar to what's seen in drug addicts.
