Dr. Susan Thompson, weight loss expert and professor of brain science, declared in an op-ed published January 3 that, “we are literally eating ourselves to death.”

According to Dr. Thompson, “It isn’t real food, it is the packaged, highly refined, chemically laden products marketed to us as ‘food’ that are killing us, and will continue to do so until we reframe what is being perpetrated on consumers in terms of addiction.”

The evidence on whether Americans agree with the notion that obesity, which kills almost 3 million people a year globally, could be the byproduct of addiction, is mixed.

On one hand, research has shown that growing numbers of both everyday Americans and medical professionals view obesity as more of a societal problem than a personal one. On the other hand, one survey found that 75% of respondents attributed obesity to a failure of willpower; this is how, at one time, drug and alcohol use disorders were viewed as well.

That so many view such a massive and shared community health issue as obesity as a private moral failing may confirm that obesity is, in fact, the result of addiction (since the thinking is a paradigm that’s been applied to other addictions in the past).

But if it’s not one’s personal willpower that is to blame for unhealthy amounts of weight, what is — and what is the scope of the problem in today’s landscape?

Americans More Obese Than Ever

Half of the population is now obese, meaning they have a “Body Mass Index” (BMI) that is higher than 30. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and though BMI empowers individuals to evaluate whether or not they are obese, BMI “does not diagnose body fatness.”

An individual, therefore, could conceivably be medically obese but still not be body-fat; for the vast majority of those who fall within the designation of obese, however, this is not the case.

Body-fat obesity does not necessarily have to be linked to shame or personal failing in the way that many Americans’ beliefs indicate it perhaps should be; corporations that have spent millions, if not billions, on advertising an idealized body image just to turn around and sell Americans the “cure” for embarrassment, shame, or body dysmorphia are likely at least somewhat responsible for this belief having taken root in the first place.

It can’t be denied, however, that the threat to America posed by obesity has ballooned. The rate of obesity was 20 points lower at the turn of the millennium; so-called “severe obesity” has more than doubled since that time. For the public health impact of that growth, one need merely turn on the news — although it’s probable that a close friend or family member, if not oneself, is as good an anecdotal example as any.

Statistics quantify the risks of ill health likely already observable in acquaintances; a study published in Obesity Reviews in August of last year found that obese people are 46% more likely to get COVID and 113% more likely to become hospitalized. Non-COVID health complications also apply; the Harvard T.H. Chan School Of Public Health has reported that obesity raises the risk of stroke by 64%, raises the risk of premature death from coronary artery disease in women by 62% (and by a comparable amount in men), and is correlated with a 42% higher risk of Alzheimer’s (among many other risks).

Media Linking Obesity To COVID

In accordance with the above statistics, CNN has now published a report linking obesity to COVID, stating that, “People who are overweight or obese are at a much higher risk of much more severe disease and even death from Covid-19,” and going on to identify obesity as “the second leading cause of preventable death, after smoking.”

The outlet has faced some criticism from others, like Fox News, who called the subject of the article “a connection already well-known from data compiled earlier in the pandemic,” and reported that there have been “recent pushes by some…outlets against the airing of negative views on the body image of those who are overweight.”

If negative body image perceptions result in shame, disempowerment, or otherwise unpleasant feelings that don’t serve their feeler, then those perceptions need not be made valid – it’s a scientific fact, however, that obesity is claiming lives.

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Obesity, Mental Health Conditions Co-Occur

Obesity can co-occur with a variety of other conditions. For one thing, sugar addiction (often viewed as a behavioral addiction, though sugar is in and of itself an addictive substance – per Dr. Thompson, “sugar can be more addictive than cocaine”) may coincide with obesity.

Anxiety and symptoms of depression can also co-occur with obesity; the latter may contribute to the former (though the inverse may also be true).

Those looking to manage their weight and/or cut back on sugar have many options available to them. Avoiding processed foods, eating more leafy greens, managing the calculus of calories consumed versus calories burned, and seeking out so-called “good fats” (like the kind that can be contained by fish, nuts, and avocado) can be a strong way to move to a healthier weight and increase longevity along with quality of life.

For those who see food as a valuable part of life and/or a means of expression, and many do, considering the fact that wealthy corporations deliberately make processed foods addictive and unhealthy as a way of keeping consumers dependent and malleable may be helpful in viewing more nutritious choices in a different and more empowering light.

Eating healthily in 2022 could provide a host of mental and physical benefits; eating as well as is within one’s means to do could be a powerful way to make the most of one’s own dietary privilege.

The post The Obesity Addiction appeared first on Addiction Center.

Months ago, Florida legislators approved a congressional package that dramatically expanded gambling in the state. The agreement will generate Florida $6 billion through 2030 and $2.5 billion over the next 5 years. The deal was met with a plethora of criticism and support. But as of recently, the news was forgotten by most until last week. On July 8th, journalists learned about new negotiations between the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe. The next day the President of the Florida Senate, Wilton Simpson, announced a new 30-year gaming compact memorandum to the 74-page contract.  

The Biggest Takeaway

Before this new deal, betting on professional sports in Florida was illegal. But as of Friday, it will be legal to bet on professional sports in casinos if the Compact is ratified. Another major takeaway is the addition of a provision barring the Seminole Tribe from interfering with gambling licenses to businesses outside of the tribe. As of now, every casino in Florida is owned by a Native American tribe. The affidavit allows the state to issue a gambling license to any non-Seminole facility more than 15 miles “in a straight line” from the tribe’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Florida may soon see a dramatic increase in casinos. 

The Seminole Tribe’s New Deal

According to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the Seminole Tribe’s new deal hopes to expand economic opportunity, tourism, and recreation in Florida. The memorandum is an attempt by the Florida legislature to modernize Florida’s gaming industry and address a decade worth of problems. 

Some of the highlights of the new Compact with the Seminole Tribe include:

• A new 30-year term
• Craps and Roulette
• Additional facilities on the Tribe’s Hollywood reservation
• Enhanced revenue sharing brackets 
• Statewide online sports betting in partnership with the pari-mutuels

The Seminole Tribe’s new deal grants them the exclusive right to offer craps and roulette tables in their casinos for the price of $500 million a year. It also allows the tribes to build additional facilities on their reservation. Both Republican Governor Ron DeSantis and Marcellus W. Osceola Jr., Chairman of the Seminole Tribal Council, believe the deal will benefit all Floridians and Seminoles alike. Though the new gambling agreement will bring new revenue, is it reasonable to make gambling so easily accessible?

Will This Legislation Lead To More Gambling Disorders?

Gambling disorders are a severe problem in the United States. According to research, the addiction affects 1 to 3% of adults. A person addicted to gambling has compulsive or pathological urges to bet. They are unable to resist their impulses. Like any other addiction, over time, it destroys their finances, relationships, and life. For the past few decades, the right to gamble has only been legal in a few states, national lotteries, and specific venues. The lack of availability has helped keep the disorder at bay. But with the passing of this new legislation, access is increasing dramatically.

Loopholes, Gambling, And Speculated Corruption 

Besides creating more casinos, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber points out that the new Seminole Tribe deal is taking advantage of a loophole in federal law. He believes the agreement is, “hijacked by non-tribal casino interests.” Mayor Dan Gelber argues that the legislation can potentially open up betting anywhere in the state. “Thus, not only is the Florida Compact actually promoting massive expansions of wagering off of tribal lands, but it also leaves any regulation or oversight for those wagering on non-Indian land to tribal oversight,” said Gelber.

Critics like Mayor Gelber believe the new deal violates the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the Wire Act, and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. Even Florida State Representative Michael Grieco is quoted saying, “That line, I don’t know where it came from, but I know why it’s there,” when talking about the memorandum. “It removes one of the major hurdles that someone would need to jump in order to make a gaming license in Florida portable, and specifically for 2 or 3 people, including the owner of the Fontainebleau and our 45th president.” 

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Still, Governor DeSantis hopes the agreement will inspire others to follow suit. Whether or not legislation created the 74-page contract with both Floridians and the Seminole people’s best interest at heart is to be seen. In the meantime, like Mayor Gelber states, “Floridians are watching as a tribal gambling compact is becoming a vehicle by which widespread casino gambling will be spread throughout our state.” In the future other states, besides Florida, may have to deal with gambling becoming widespread and the likely increase of its abuse among its people.

The post The Controversial Seminole Tribe’s Gambling Deal appeared first on Addiction Center.

Last week Robinhood made headlines when a surge of stay-at-home traders manipulated the stock market. A forum called Reddit’s WallStreetBets coordinated a massive spike in a few struggling stocks. It caused a buying frenzy on Robinhood that raised $1 billion in new funds. Yet, while people focused on the money made, experts noticed monolithic signs of gambling addiction. 

Is The App Promoting Gambling?

One of the earmarks of gambling is volatility. Some days you win a jackpot, and the next, you could lose $7,000. It is essentially what makes gambling so attractive. Unfortunately, it is a huge problem in the United States. Roughly 1% of adults are battling a gambling disorder, which is why researchers and competing companies are sounding the alarm on Robinhood. According to whistleblowers, the app is using exploitative practices to induce gambling in its users. 

Robinhood’s Design 

Much like gambling apps, experts claim Robinhood uses cues that promote addiction. The behaviors are similar to a gambling disorder. For example, when a new member joins the platform, an image of a digital scratch-off lottery ticket pops up on their screen. The picture is a welcome stub, a gift for joining Robinhood’s community. The app’s stub promises a free share of stock worth anywhere from $2.50 to $200. If the new trader wants the prize, they have to play by ”scratching off” the image like a lotto ticket. 

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At first, the interaction seems harmless, even fun. Yet, Keith Whyte, the National Council on Problem Gambling executive director, warns that Robinhood’s styling has features like common betting apps. He claims it encourages immediacy and frequent engagement. Through its design, Robinhood induces dopamine rushes (pleasure neurotransmitter).

By promising a free yet unknown gift, the company immediately triggers dopamine responses among their new users. The trigger is what keeps them coming back. 

Some of Robinhood’s many alleged dopamine inducing features include:

• Green confetti to celebrate transactions.
• A constant update of stock related articles.
• A colorful, eye-catching interface.
• Emoji phone notifications.
• One-click trading for instant gratification.
• Free stocks in the shape of lottery tickets.
• Waitlists where users can improve their position by tapping up to 1,000 times per day. 

Research indicates that a flow of uncertainty and rewards hooks users. Much like drugs or alcohol, incertitude stimulates the brain’s reward system. Over time this repeated exposure can lead to addiction. Other studies show that volatility can even enhance cravings or the desire for drugs. The market’s waves and Robinhood’s fun interface are keeping users too loyal. 

Manipulating Young Investors With Game-Like Interfaces

Through its charming elements like one-click trading and playful phone notifications, Robinhood has lured over 13 million customers. The app’s simplicity and graphic design make trading feel like gaming. The platform has drawn in young investors by presenting complex financial instruments like a fun game. Unfortunately, financial experts believe that instead of helping users, the app is purposely downplaying trading risks. They suspect it to be a method to get users hooked to their platform.

Inexperienced investors are not actively warned about financial dangers. Instead, the app’s design is drawing them to the riskiest forms of trading like options. The app also highlights more risky investments with dazzling neons like cryptocurrencies. Suppose the app’s founders truly wanted to promote intelligent investing. In that case, they’d encourage safe opportunities like an exchange-traded fund (ETF) instead. Instead, Titan co-CEO Joe Percoco believes investors are being given a, “fast new car, without driving instructions.”

Monetizing Gambling Impulses

The zero-commission brokerage allows you to trade instantly with no minimum deposit. At first glance, the innovative app sounds like it’s helping democratize investing by not charging fees. But many believe it’s a strategy to induce more addictive trading (a source of income for the app). According to filings, Robinhood received $18,955 from trading firms for every dollar in the average customer account. Schwab only received $195 for the same deal. 

The problem with zero commission trading is that it allows users to trade as often as they want. So users can sell or buy the minute their stocks go down or up. This form of trading is correlated with gambling behaviors. Dave Guarino, a product lead at the California Office of Digital Innovation, believes that Robinhood’s goal is not to shift capital gains to everyday people’s hands. He thinks they are monetizing on gambling impulses. 

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The Future Of Its Users

This past week, people caught their first glimpse of the potential gambling issue within Robinhood. For years experts have warned the public about the brokerage’s questionable practices. Like the Titan, co-CEO Percoco noted, “Robinhood is designed and makes money based on clients trading addictively. This is horrific.” Robinhood is drawing millions of users to their platform through a gamification style. By downplaying trading risks, their methods are allegedly encouraging more trades. Overtime, users get hooked and the app makes more money. This dilemma is a severe problem that can lead to a rise in gambling disorders. Hopefully, researchers can get more information on Robinhood’s alleged suspicious practices soon.

If you or a loved one is experiencing gambling addiction and considering treatment options, you can find online therapy resources here.

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The post Signs Of Gambling Addiction In Robinhood App appeared first on Addiction Center.

According to gambling industry consultant company H2 Gambling Capital, Americans lose nearly $120 billion a year to games of chance. Trying to understand why people put themselves into risky situations, like gambling after losing thousands of dollars, has stumped people for centuries. However, scientists point to one fact that accounts for such risks – human behavior is inherently variable. Even when faced with the same task repeatedly, humans often act in erratic and inconsistent ways, as do our brain fluctuations.

Now, thanks to new neuroscience findings from the University College London (UCL) Queen Square Institute of Neurology in England, we’re closer than ever to understanding why. The University’s ongoing research is helping to explain the biology behind risky behaviors — studies that may one day lead to new interventions for gambling addiction.

This particular study from the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology found that minute-to-minute fluctuations in human brain activity, linked to changing levels of dopamine, impact whether or not we make risky decisions. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study indicates human behavioral variability may not be random, but instead linked to internal brain states.

The majority of functional neuroscience studies so far have focused on the brain’s response to a task or stimulus. However, the brain is active with strong fluctuations in activity even in the absence of explicit input or output. Because of this, researchers focused on people who were in a state of rest – awake but not doing anything. When a person is at rest, their brain is not occupied with anything in particular, but it remains alert and active.

Co-lead author of the study, Dr. Tobias Hauser of UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, said: “Experts have long struggled to explain why people are so erratic, making one decision one day and the opposite decision another day. We know that the brain is constantly active, even when we aren’t doing anything, so we wondered if this background activity affects our decision-making.”

The UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology researchers studied activity in the dopaminergic midbrain brain region, which contains the highest amount of dopaminergic neurons. These are the brain cells that release dopamine, a “feel-good” chemical messenger that helps regulate self-motivation-related behaviors.

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The Study Methodology

For the study, researchers recruited 43 healthy young adults to partake in the research. Each participant completed a set of experimental gambling tasks while laying down in an MRI scanner so researchers could observe brain activity. They were asked to simply choose between a safe option of gaining a small amount of money and a risky option of gaining a larger amount of money. If they chose the risky option and lost, they would receive nothing.

However, it’s important to note that researchers only asked the participants to make a choice when their brains showed either a spike in activity in the dopaminergic midbrain or when activity in that area showed a sharp decline. When the dopaminergic midbrain was in a state of low activity before participants were asked to make the decision, they were more likely to choose the risky option than when their brains were in a state of high activity.

The study outcomes suggest that these natural fluctuations in resting brain activity appear to have similar effects to other factors that influence risk-taking behaviors, such as drugs and age.

Our brains may have evolved to have spontaneous fluctuations in a key brain area for decision making because it makes us more unpredictable and better able to cope with a changing world.

The study illustrates the importance of not rushing into decisions. Co-lead author Benjamin Chew, a doctoral candidate at the institute, said the findings stress not making split or rash decisions due to the inherent invariability of human behavior: “Our findings underscore the importance of taking time when making important decisions, as you might make a different decision if you just wait a few minutes.”

Moving forward, researchers want to better understand how these natural fluctuations in resting brain activity influence decision making on a daily basis. They also want to assess whether the variations could be related to other behavioral disorders and potentially help devise better treatments for conditions such as compulsive gambling.

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