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Fast food, processed foods are high in calories. But, at least according to the former Surgeon General, companies produce these foods specifically to induce craving for more — which ultimately alters brain circuitry to cause some heightened level of physiological need.

Few would take exception to the assertion that obesity is an enormous health problem in the United States. There is less agreement, however, on how to combat the problem. David Kessler’s new book, The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite offers a compelling case that to prevent overeating–and hence obesity–people should avoid processed foods as well as many popular chain restaurants such as Olive Garden and Chili’s. The advice is consistent with what many experts who treat or research obesity have been recommending, but not entirely for the same reason.

Many of us recommend avoiding fast food in particular, and eating out in general, because of the tremendous number of calories in many of the meals offered. Although some fast food restaurants, such as McDonalds, have recently started offering some healthier options, most of the menu items are high in fat and calories. A recent study found that the average lunchtime purchase from a fast food restaurant in New York City contained more than 800 calories–far more calories than most people should be eating at lunch.

Kessler argues not only will you consume too many calories by eating processed foods; they will also cause changes in your brain circuitry, making you crave them in the future.

Read The Real Reasons We Overeat at The Atlantic Food Channel