Ultra-processed foods have been found to be addicting, according to a review of 281 studies from 36 countries in 2023 (see reference below). These studies found that 14% of adults and 12% of children are addicted to these foods.
The studies demonstrating food addiction utilized the same methodology used to evaluate Substance Use Disorders. However, at this time, food addiction is not listed in the official manual for psychiatric disorders.
Ultra-processed foods are “… industrially produced foods containing ingredients not available in home kitchens …” They contain a high percentage of refined carbohydrates and added fats.
Also, they often have additives that “may contribute to the addiction potential…”. Salty foods may also be addicting.
While the percentage of adults and children with an addiction to ultra-processed foods is worrisome, the percentage “reaches 32% in people with obesity having bariatric surgery, and over 50% in those with Binge Eating Disorder.”
The information provided is from an article on this topic by Gearhardt and colleagues in the British Medical Journal 2023; 383.
Peter M. Hartmann, MD
Family Medicine & Psychiatry
