Chocolate elicits unique brain activity compared to other foods, activating similar brain regions and neurobiological substrates with potentially similar psychoactive effects as substances of abuse. We sought to determine the relationship between chocolate with varying combinations of its main constituents (sugar, cocoa, and fat) and its psychoactive effects. Participants consumed 5 g of a commercially available chocolate with increasing amounts of sugar (90% cocoa, 85% cocoa, 70% cocoa, and milk chocolates). After each chocolate sample, participants completed the Psychoactive Effects Questionnaire (PEQ). The PEQ consists of questions taken from the Morphine-Benzedrine Group (MBG), Morphine (M,) and Excitement (E) subscales of the Addiction Research Center Inventory. After all testing procedures, participants completed the Binge Eating Scale (BES) while left alone and allowed to eat as much as they wanted of each of the different chocolates. We found a measurable psychoactive dose–effect relationship with each incremental increase in the chocolate’s sugar content. The total number of positive responses and the number of positive responses on the E subscale began increasing after tasting the 90% cocoa chocolate, whereas the number of positive responses on the MBG and M subscales began increasing after tasting the 85% cocoa chocolate sample. We did not find a correlation between BES scores and the total amount of chocolate consumed or self-reported scores on the PEQ. These results suggest that each incremental increase in chocolate’s sugar content enhances its psychoactive effects. These results extend our understanding of chocolate’s appeal and unique ability to prompt an addictive-like eating response.

Epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between childhood obesity and quality of food consumed in schools and at home as well. The objectives of this study are to assess quality of school meals and home meals of children between the age 3 to 5 years old, and their obesity level. A cross sectional study conducted on one hundred and thirty children (3-6 years of age; 73 boys and 57 girls) of a private preschool in Jeddah city .Firstly we assessed children weights using anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, IBW/Age, IHT/Age). Secondly Schools meals were analyzed using the USD super tracker (food analysis program) and dietary intakes using both FFQs and 2-day food records to be filled by mothers. We also assessed mother's knowledge, using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS program by applying one way ANOVA using the LSD test and univariate ANOVA test. Data have shown that the prevalence of normal weight, underweight and overweight of the subjects were 66.1%, 6.7% 26.3% respectively. Results showed a significant difference between normal weight student and overweight (p≥ 0.001) and a significant difference between underweight student (p≥ 0.001) and overweight student. Also, there was a significant difference between underweight student and normal weight student (p≥ 0.001). School meal analysis results indicated that the total calories on breakfast are slightly low (23% of total requirement) but the total calories in lunch are slightly high (40% of total requirement) comparing to RDA. Protein content was at the normal range, whereas carbohydrates and saturated fat were at the higher level at lunch (>7%). Finally, responses from mothers on child's home meals were zero. In conclusion, the current study showed that 27% of children were overweight, and meals did not meet the RDA with carbohydrate and fat and lack of interest with mothers to be involved in child nutrition. Such data suggests an increase in the awareness of nutrition and health to staff responsible of preparing meals at schools, teachers and mothers to prevent childhood obesity.

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