Obese People Possibly More Sensitive To Smell Of Food.

a small study published online March 13 in the journal Chemical Senses suggests that obese people may be more proficient at detecting the scent of chocolate and find it more pleasant than people who are not obese. In addition, the study determined that obese subjects perceived the salty and sour tastes more acutely than non-obese people. The study researchers concluded that smell is crucial in eating behavior since it triggers the hunger center in the brain. The researchers write that smell is significant in eating behavior because it triggers the reward center in the brain. Stafford noted that sensory cues such as sight and smell can increase cravings for addictive substances and theorizes that the same may be true for foods. He said that the smell of high-calorie foods “might also trigger craving and possibly lead to overconsumption for those individuals prone to weight gain.” http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/03/us-health-obesity-olfaction-idUSKBN0MU18V20150403