Companies create products designed to override natural satiety signals from "summary" of Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
Food companies are well aware of the natural satiety signals that our bodies send when we have had enough to eat. These signals are designed to help us regulate our food intake and maintain a healthy balance. However, many companies have chosen to ignore these signals in favor of creating products that are specifically engineered to override them. By carefully calibrating the levels of salt, sugar, and fat in their products, companies are able to create foods that are hyper-palatable and incredibly addictive. These foods are designed to hit the "bliss point," a term coined by food scientists to describe the perfect combination of salt, sugar, and fat that makes a food irresistible. When we consume foods that have been engineered in this way, our bodies struggle to send us the signals that we are full and should stop eating. In addition to manipulating the levels of salt, sugar, and fat in their products, food companies also rely on other tactics to override our natural satiety signals. For example, they often use clever marketing strategies to convince us that we need to eat more than we actually do. By promoting larger portion sizes and encouraging us to eat when we are not hungry, these companies are able to increase their profits at the expense of our health. Furthermore, food companies have also been known to use deceptive labeling practices to make their products appear healthier than they actually are. By highlighting certain nutritional benefits or using misleading language on their packaging, these companies are able to convince consumers that their products are a better choice than they really are. This can lead to overconsumption and contribute to the obesity epidemic that is currently plaguing our society.- It is clear that many food companies prioritize their bottom line over the well-being of their consumers. By creating products that are specifically designed to override our natural satiety signals, these companies are contributing to a culture of overeating and poor health. It is important for consumers to be aware of these tactics and to make informed choices about the foods they eat in order to protect their health and well-being.