In view of the epidemic of obesity, researchers from Netherlands are investigating the possibility of using "anti-hunger" aromas while chewing food that will induce an increased level of satiety and prevent people from overeating.

Until now the researchers have focused on food products that trigger the feelings of fullness. Now, in an effort to fight the growing menace of obesity, they are dwelling on the concept of consumer food designed to release specific scents that curbs appetite, kills cravings, and leaves one with a feeling of fullness so one eats less.

Ruijschop of the Dutch based NIZO Food Research organization stated, "The application of aroma in food product development for inducing satiation is promising and appealing.

"Complementary to ingredients that focus on the postingestive and postabsorptive stage of the satiety cascade, retronasal aroma release, operating during food ingestion, has a consumer benefit that is immediately noticeable."

Focus on olfactory senses
The focus of the analysis was on the olfactory senses. Our brain senses fullness of stomach partly through the smell and taste of food.

According to the scientists, the affect arises when certain molecules break free from the food as one chews, working their way up the nasal cavity and to the olfactory sensors. From there, they head straight to the areas of the brain linked with satiety, telling the brain that the stomach is full.

The only problem is that like many processes of the brain, the aromas that reach the back of the nose may be based on individual perception of food satisfaction that differs from person to person.

Ruijschop stated, "Although the extent of retronasal aroma release appears to be subject specific, food product properties can be tailored in such a way that these can lead to a higher quality and/or quantity of retronasal aroma stimulation."

She added, "This in turn provokes enhanced feelings of satiation and ultimately may contribute to a decrease in food intake."

The study appears in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

A little on obesity
Obesity is a condition characterized by excess accumulation of fat in the adipose tissue under the skin, above the muscles, and around internal organs.

Obesity is a major problem worldwide with millions being obese. The fundamental cause of this condition is overeating.

It is classified as a disease that can cause health problems like blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiac arrest [the stopping of heartbeat.] as well as emotional problems like inferiority complex and low self-esteem.