According to a study, ultra-processed foods like your favorite chips, cookies, and soda might cause addictive behaviors that match the same clinical criteria used to identify substance-use disorders.
Researchers contended that ignoring this in diagnostic systems is a risky mistake that could have serious repercussions for public health around the world.
Lead author Ashley Gearhardt, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan in the United States, stated that “people aren’t becoming addicted to apples or brown rice.”
“They’re struggling with industrial products specifically engineered to hit the brain like a drug — rapidly, intensely and repeatedly,” Gearhardt stated.
The study synthesized data from around 300 investigations conducted in 36 different nations and was published in the journal Nature Medicine. Their research showed how highly processed meals can interfere with the brain’s reward system, leading to cravings, a loss of self-control, and continued usage in spite of negative effects—all of which are hallmarks of addiction.
Additionally, neuroimaging research shows that compulsive eaters exhibit brain circuit abnormalities that are remarkably comparable to those observed in cocaine and alcohol addiction.
Remarkably, drugs that lessen ultra-processed food cravings have also been shown to lessen compulsive drug usage, highlighting the similar neural processes.
Crucially, Gearhardt and colleagues emphasized that although disorders such as coffee consumption disorder and nitrous oxide poisoning have been added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, despite widespread and increasing support, addiction to ultra-processed foods has not even been tentatively recognized as a problem that warrants more research. The guidebook uses scant data to categorize mental illnesses.
“The bar for recognising addiction has been far lower in other cases,” said co-author Erica LaFata, assistant research professor at Drexel University’s Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science. “It’s time ultra-processed food addiction was held to the same scientific standard.”
The study urges legislators, doctors, and public health experts to act quickly to fund research, provide clinical tools for diagnosis and treatment, and formally recognize ultra-processed food addiction. They also called for the implementation of preventative measures akin to those employed in tobacco control, such as public education campaigns, better labeling, and limitations on marketing to minors.
Gearhardt clarified, “We’re not saying all food is addictive,” We’re arguing that a lot of highly processed meals are made to be addicted. And if we don’t acknowledge that, we’ll keep failing those who are most impacted, particularly children.“