14% of adults globally are addicted to ‘ultra-processed food’: Study

Recently, an analysis of 281 studies from 36 different countries found that "ultra-processed foods" (UPFs) addiction as many as 14 percent of adults worldwide. The same studies also discovered that 12 percent of children are suffering from the same addiction.

University of Michigan psychology professor Ashley Gearhardt and Fralin Biomedical Research Institute assistant professor Alexandra DiFeliceantonio are among the authors of the paper, which they posted to the BMJ.

Gearhardt said, "Converging and consistent support is adding validity and clinical relevance to food addiction. Acknowledging that certain types of processed foods carry the properties of addictive substances may help improve global health."

The study particularly points to foods with a 1:1 carbohydrate to fat ratio, asserting that this ratio appears to increase the food's addictiveness. Many UPFs exhibit heightened levels of both carbohydrates and fat. The study also identifies additives used for improving taste and mouthfeel as "powerful reinforcers", even if they are not addictive individually.

"DiFeliceantonio added, "Considering these foods are so prevalent - making up 58% of calories consumed in the United States - there is so much we still don't know."

Alarming Statistics

• Globally, 14 percent of adults are addicted to alcohol, 18 percent to tobacco, and a shocking 14 percent to ultra-processed foods.
• Ultra-processed foods, including items such as candy, ice cream, fries, chips, burgers, canned foods, and more, are packed with carbohydrates and fats, making them akin to an intoxicant.
• Once individuals, particularly children, become addicted to these foods, breaking free from this dependency becomes an arduous task.
• Addiction to ultra-processed foods results in continued consumption despite symptoms like intense cravings, loss of control over eating, frequent overeating, obesity, and a decline in physical and mental health.
• These foods have been linked to numerous health problems, including increased weight, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
• Ultra-processed foods have been linked to a range of health issues, and their increasing popularity is a major concern.
• Recent studies have associated the consumption of these foods with heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and vision problems.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of the negative health impact of excessive salt consumption, which is prevalent in many ultra-processed foods.

Understanding addictive Potential of Ultra-Processed Foods

Particular foods with a 1:1 carbohydrate to fat ratio appear to increase their addictiveness, as the study points out. Many Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) exhibit heightened levels of both. The study also mentions additives used for taste and mouthfeel, calling them "powerful reinforcers", even if they are not addictive on their own.

“Given how prevalent these foods are – they make up 58% of calories consumed in the United States – there is so much we don’t know,” DiFeliceantonio added.

The paper concluded that more careful research needs to be carried out to determine the specific mechanism by which these foods cause addictive responses. It stated that Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) rich in refined carbohydrates and fats are clearly consumed in addictive patterns, leading to deleterious health outcomes.

The paper also explained that Ultra-processed foods high in refined carbohydrates and added fats are extremely rewarding, appealing, and compulsively eaten, possibly leading to addiction. In some people, behaviors around ultra-processed food might fulfill the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder," the paper stated.

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