A recent study has revealed a disturbing trend that could transform the way we see our everyday diets: a large section of the population may be addicted to ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
The consequences of this addiction extend beyond our taste buds, affecting our health and well-being. Recent research has connected UPFs, which include everything from fizzy beverages to ready meals, to an increased risk of major health issues such as cancer, weight gain, and heart disease.
With UPFs accounting for more than half of the average diet in the UK and the US, scientists are now calling for some of these goods to be labeled as addictive.
Alarming Findings
The Guardian tells us that researchers have discovered that behaviors surrounding the consumption of UPFs may meet the criteria for a substance use disorder diagnosis, echoing the patterns seen with addictive substances like nicotine and alcohol.
These behaviors include intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms, a lack of control over consumption, and continued use despite negative consequences, such as obesity and deteriorating physical and mental health.
The analysis of 281 studies from 36 countries found that approximately 14% of adults and 12% of children experience what the researchers termed "ultra-processed food addiction."
Improving Global Health
Ashley Gearhardt, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, emphasizes the need to acknowledge certain processed foods' properties as addictive substances.
She suggests that this shift in perspective could be a catalyst for improving global health. The study's authors, including experts from the US, Brazil, and Spain, propose that this recognition could lead to innovative approaches in social justice, clinical care, and policy development.
The study points to specific factors that make UPFs addictive. One crucial aspect is the stimulation of the brain's striatum by refined carbohydrates and fats found in these foods, akin to the effects of nicotine and alcohol.
Furthermore, the rapid delivery of carbohydrates and fats to the gut enhances their addictive potential. Interestingly, the researchers also suggest that food additives, although not inherently addictive, can reinforce the effects of calories in the gut, further heightening the appeal of UPFs.
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A Closer Look
It is essential to differentiate between natural foods and UPFs. While natural foods primarily provide energy in the form of carbohydrates or fat but not both, UPFs often contain higher levels of both, making them a different proposition for our brains. This unique combination of high carbohydrates and fats is thought to contribute to the addictive nature of UPFs.
Experts believe that recognizing certain foods high in carbohydrates and fats as addictive could potentially lead to a healthier society through modifications to social, clinical, and political policies.
Dr. Chris van Tulleken, whose work on "Ultra-Processed People" has been recently serialized in the Daily Mail, calls for a warning label system in the UK to raise awareness about the addictive and harmful nature of UPFs.
He argues that food giants are now using the marketing tools initially developed by the tobacco industry to promote UPFs.
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