- Researchers say ultra-processed foods may be as addictive as smoking.
- They say these types of foods are high in refined carbohydrates and fats, substances that can cause changes in the brain.
- Experts say ultra-processed foods need to be more strictly regulated because of their potential addictive qualities and their impact on the obesity crisis.
A recent
In their report, researchers say humans compulsively consume foods high in refined carbohydrates and added fats, which people find highly rewarding and appealing in ways similar to how they experience addictive substances such as nicotine.
The researchers said some people eating these foods consume compulsively and that consumption may meet the criteria for diagnosis of substance use disorder in some people.
The study authors looked at an analysis of two systematic reviews that included 281 studies from 36 countries. From this data, the researchers reported that by the standards of the Yale Food Addiction Scale ultra-processed food addiction is estimated to occur in 14% of adults and 12% of children.
For comparison, the study authors pointed out levels of addiction in other legal substances in adults are 14% for alcohol and 18% for tobacco. The level of 12 percent for children is “unprecedented,” the researchers noted.
The Yale Food Addiction Scale assesses 11 symptomatic criteria for substance use disorder, including diminished control over intake, cravings, withdrawal, and continued use despite negative outcomes.
The study authors also said ultra-processed foods are associated with “biopsychological mechanisms of addiction and clinically significant problems.”
Among people with defined clinical diagnoses, the Yale Food Addiction Scale identified prevalence of food addiction reaches 32% in people with obesity who have bariatric surgery and more than 50% in those with binge eating disorder.
Food addiction based…
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