Scientists confirm addiction to ultra-processed food affects 14% of adults worldwide

Scientists have said that one in seven adults and one in eight children may be hooked on ultra-processed foods (UPFs), stressing the importance for some products to be labelled as addictive.

Studies, conducted recently, have linked UPFs such as ice-cream, fizzy drinks and ready meals to poor health, including an increased risk of cancer, weight gain and heart disease.

According to statistics, global consumption of the products is soaring and UPFs now make up more than half the average diet in the UK and US.

Researchers say the way some people consume such foods could “meet the criteria for diagnosis of substance use disorder”.

They explaine that behaviours that could meet this criteria include: intense cravings, symptoms of withdrawal, less control over intake, and continued use despite such consequences as obesity, binge eating disorder, poorer physical and mental health, and lower quality of life.

Analysis of 281 studies from 36 different countries found that “ultra-processed food addiction” was estimated to occur in 14% of adults and 12% of children, the researchers wrote in the BMJ, a medical journal.

The academics said that if some foods high in carbohydrates and fats were to be officially categorised as “addictive”, it could help improve health through changes to social, clinical and political policies.