This is mostly because a lot of people get so obsessed with unhealthy foods and snacks that eating in itself actually becomes a real problem to them.

If you can find a way to deal with the hunger pangs then you may be on the way to lose weight.

Eating and overeating can be an emotional response to other factors in our life and it is no secret that these factors can play a large part in weight gain for many people. It is now thought that one of the causes of an inability to control cravings can be the result of decreased levels of serotonin in the body. This is a chemical which is responsible for our mood swings and emotions and low levels can lead to depression and that in turn can be a factor in weight gain. If you are a secret eater then it may be that you have low levels of serotonin.

In a nutshell, serotonin refers to a chemical that controls a person's feelings and mood swings. As such, a lack of this chemical in the body can actually lead to depression and, consequently, weight gain. If you tend to eat in secret, then it might be because of the lack of serotonin in your own body.

Now, while there are various therapeutic drugs available in today's market that can effective control anxiety and depression, saffron extract is known to be one of the best choices in the department if you want to spike up your serotonin levels with ease.

The famous TV show host Dr Oz was also able to replicate the results of those studies by using two women who both enjoyed significant weight loss of between three and five pounds over the course of a weekend by using saffron extract.

Some studies also show that saffron extract can help with various other problems, too. One famous television show host, for example, was also able to mimic the results found in these studies himself. What he basically did was monitor two female test subjects who took saffron extract during the weekend. The results showed that they lost up to five pounds in that weekend alone!

Saffron is most commonly known as an expensive spice that a lot of housewives use at home to cook with. This spice contains a certain crocus flower strain and is most popularly used in Middle Eastern dishes. Since it also contains stamens that are all collected by hand, this spice comes with quite a high price overall.

It has also been linked to helping with insomnia in certain individuals. Saffron extract is best taken in the form of supplements.

Clinical research actually supports the connection between this extract and increased serotonin levels. Aside from that, there are also other benefits that come from saffron extract.

It may well help in relieving the symptoms of PMS and there is some suggestion that it has anti- inflammatory properties as well. Generally speaking anything which involves mood swings might be stabilised with the help of this natural alternative.

Naturally, it would be vital for you to do your research on saffron extract first and to look at other alternatives, as well. You should also keep in mind that, as with weight loss supplements, this extract will not work overnight. However, evidence does show that it can control unwanted hunger urges quite quickly if need be.