One research analysis found that 14% of adults are addicted to ultra-processed foods .
The findings are shocking because ultra-processed foods - such as sausages, ice cream, biscuits, soft drinks and sugary cereals - have previously been linked to cognitive decline, cancer, psychological distress and even early death.
These include uncontrollable and excessive consumption, cravings, and continued intake despite potential negative health effects.
The combination of refined carbohydrates and fats commonly found in ultra-processed foods appears to have a superadditive effect on the brain's reward system, greater than the macronutrients alone, which may increase the addictive potential of these foods.
Some experts believe that unlike nicotine in tobacco, it may not be a single ingredient that makes candies or cookies addictive, but rather multiple ingredients.
Foods from natural sources tend to contain more carbohydrates or more fat, but not high amounts of either, while ultra-processed foods contain disproportionately high amounts of both.
If an apple has 55 kcal of carbs and less than 2 kcal of fat, then a chocolate bar has 237 kcal of carbs and 266 kcal of fat.
Past research has also found that sugary or fatty foods make healthier alternatives unappealing, and brain rewiring can have health-related consequences, such as overindulgence and weight gain.
Eating ultra-processed foods triggers a surge in dopamine followed by a sudden drop, leading to an endless cycle of cravings, problem solving, and crashes—similar to someone with an alcohol or drug addiction.
The study noted that while the additives themselves are unlikely to be addictive, additives in food may be potentiators of the caloric effect.
But not everyone is susceptible to the addictive potential of ultra-processed foods—some people may be able to eat a handful of chips and feel satisfied, while others may not be so lucky.
Not everyone becomes addicted . 90% of people can try alcohol without problems; many even try cigarettes and even cocaine.
However, the addictive properties of ultra-processed foods have prompted an outcry from health-conscious scientists, who argue that certain foods should carry "tobacco-style" recommendations - after all, there's no escaping ultra-processed foods, they're everywhere .
Although it is safe when ingested in moderation. To minimize your consumption of ultra-processed foods, ask yourself: Is this really food? You can quickly go from addiction to disgust.
