Rats fed a diet of ground potato chips exhibited an inability to stop eating when presented with food containing a specific ratio of carbohydrates and fats, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg. The research, initially published in 2019, has gained renewed attention as health professionals explore the mechanisms behind overconsumption of highly processed foods.
The study found that a combination of 50 percent carbohydrates and 35 percent fat triggered a pattern of uncontrolled eating in the test subjects. Researchers observed the rats consuming significantly larger portions than usual, indicating a loss of normal satiety signals. Monika Pischetsrieder, who led the study, described the phenomenon as a “naschformel” – a composition that evidently encourages snacking or nibbling, according to reporting in ELLE magazine.
This ratio closely mirrors the composition of popular snack foods like potato chips, chocolate, and peanut flips, raising concerns about their potential to promote overeating in humans. A recent article in WELT highlighted the dangers of this “50-35 trap,” suggesting it can trigger typical addiction mechanisms. The article noted that highly processed foods not only build weight loss more difficult but can also cause lasting damage to health.
The phenomenon of uncontrolled eating linked to specific food compositions is also referred to as “hedonic hyperphagia,” where individuals continue to eat beyond the point of physical fullness, driven by the pleasurable sensations associated with the food. Brigitte magazine reported that this type of eating is often observed with foods high in both carbohydrates and fats.
While the study focused on rats, researchers believe the findings are applicable to human behavior. The combination of carbohydrates and fat may tap into evolutionary mechanisms, providing quick energy for the brain while simultaneously triggering fat storage, a survival strategy in times of scarcity. However, in the modern food environment, this instinct can lead to excessive calorie intake.
Experts suggest that choosing snacks with a higher cocoa content in chocolate – at least 60 percent – may help mitigate the effect, as the bitterness can slow the rise in insulin levels and promote a feeling of fullness. Similarly, opting for baked chips over fried versions is recommended as a way to reduce overall fat content.
Psychiatrist Gabriele Fischer notes that many people eat to suppress negative emotions, and carbohydrate-rich products are particularly effective at achieving this, according to reporting in derstandard.at. This suggests a complex interplay between physiological responses to food composition and psychological factors driving eating behavior.
