Ultra-Processed Foods: The New Face of Addiction That Rivals Cigarettes

Recent research is shining a light on a concerning topic: the addictive nature of ultra-processed foods. The inclination to reach for that extra cookie or binge on chips might not merely be a lapse in self-control. Instead, it’s increasingly being compared to the compulsive behaviors witnessed in more traditional addictions, such as those to nicotine or alcohol.

Food as Addictive as Nicotine and Alcohol?

A study recently published in The BMJ reports that ultra-processed foods can be as addictive as smoking. The research indicated that humans tend to compulsively consume foods high in refined carbohydrates and added fats, reminiscent of the ways people react to addictive substances like nicotine.

Further highlighting this concern, by the standards of the Yale Food Addiction Scale, it is estimated that addiction to ultra-processed foods is prevalent in 14% of adults and 12% of children. When compared to addiction levels for alcohol (14%) and tobacco (18%), the problem is evident. The Yale Food Addiction Scale evaluates individuals based on 11 criteria related to substance use disorder, including:

• Reduced control over intake
• Intense cravings
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Continued use despite adverse effects

It’s also worth noting that among those with specific clinical diagnoses, the prevalence of food addiction can reach far higher levels, such as over 50% in those diagnosed with binge eating disorders.

Characteristics of Addictive Foods

The researchers identified certain foods that have high addictive potential, mainly those rich in refined carbohydrates or added fats. Examples include candy, ice cream, and salty snacks. Such foods have been linked to behavioral indicators of addiction like those defined in the Yale Food Addiction Scale.

The study also reported that refined carbohydrates or fats stimulate “similar levels of extracellular dopamine in the brain striatum to those seen with addictive substances such as nicotine and alcohol.”

Ultra-Processed Foods

So, what exactly constitutes an ultra-processed food? Essentially, ultra-processed food contains ingredients you are unlikely to find in nature or your average kitchen. Typically, that involves refined carbohydrates and added fats.

The combination of carbs and fats amplifies the effect on your brain’s reward systems. Addictiveness is kicked up another notch by how quickly the combo is delivered to the gut, much like the effectiveness of a cigarette compared to a patch.

Adding to their addictive quality, many ultra-processed foods contain flavor additives designed to boost flavor, which can also be found in products like cigarettes, sugar, cocoa, menthol, and alkaline salt.

A Global Concern

Harmful foods are not only a problem in the United States. As more information comes out about the addictive potential of ultra-processed foods, people and countries are paying attention. After all, obesity rates are on the rise globally, so understanding the impact of these foods might be crucial for public health.

Acknowledging the addictive properties of certain processed foods could play a pivotal role in enhancing global health. Currently, more than 103 countries have already implemented “sugar-sweetened beverage taxes,” and several others have imposed additional taxes on ultra-processed foods. Over 20 countries have also added nutrition labels to these items.

There are even talks in the United States about imposing additional taxes on certain products. While many call it a “Fat Tax,” there is certainly reason to pause and examine what we eat.

However, nothing is certain, and the debate is ongoing. While some experts argue that foods, especially those rich in added sugars and fats, can stimulate cravings and potentially addictive-like eating behaviors, others disagree. More research is required to deepen the understanding of the relationship between food and addiction.