Researchers say the results are likely applicable to people as well, since the physiological systems of the two creatures are similar.

Survey results show that 77% of U.S. consumers tout their generally healthy eating habits, while 55% experience small setbacks, such as snacking on junk food or treating themselves to an indulgent meal.

The team placed rats on a diet high in sugar and fat and compared their performance with rodents on a healthy diet.

Junk food may soon be hard to buy at American public schools, as the U.S. government readies new rules requiring healthier foods to be sold beyond the cafeteria -- a move most parents support, according to a poll.

Consuming junk food is about more than taste; ice cream choices appear to correlate with political preferences; and consumers give their opinions on the impact of the economy on their purchasing decisions.

Apparently, people do not keep eating junk food just because it is tasty, scientists say.

A new survey has revealed that children as young as six are suffering strokes due to obesity, as their parents often feed them pureed junk food.