Why We Love Fat

We know why we love fat: because it tastes good. But the lure of
lard is stronger than we thought. According to one scientist, we're
hardwired to hanker for it.

"Genetically, we find fat sensations pleasant," says Susan
Schiffman, Ph.D. In her study, published in the journal Psychological
Science, she says that the odor of fat triggers satisfied feelings.
Nerves in our tongues may also be designed to recognize it.

In terms of evolution, we're likely born appreciating fat because
"it has survival value--lots of calories compared with protein or carbs,"
says the Duke University psychologist. So eating fatty foods over meat or
grains gave our ancestors more energy to hunt and gather.

But now that society is more sedentary, our appetite for fat just
translates into extra pounds. "The body doesn't regulate calories from
fat well," says Schiffman, and humans are bad at detecting how much is in
their food. The older we are, the worse we get; we eat more to get the
same satisfaction--one possible explanation for why it's so hard to keep
weight off later in life.