Ultra-processed foods are addictive, as evidenced by binge eating disorder criteria and the nature of binge foods.

“In this study, addiction was defined by the same criteria used in substance dependence. This includes intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms, inability to cut down, loss of control, and social and functional impairment.”

“Over the last 40 years, the United States has been exposed to something that our biology was never intended to handle. Energy dense, highly palatable, rapidly absorbable, ultrarocessed foods. >> These products can really trigger all the core signs of addiction. Loss of control, those intense cravings, that continued use even though you know it may be killing or harming you.”

“Most ultra-processed food today is ENGINEERED to be hyper-palatable and addictive. Thus, it's not surprising that you will feel actual withdrawal symptoms when you make better choices.”

“And ultrarocessed foods are engineered to be highly palatable. And part of that engineering process also makes them calorie dense because part of making things hyper palatable is putting in a lot of sugar and a lot of fat.”

“And ultrarocessed foods are engineered to be highly palatable. And part of that engineering process also makes them calorie dense because part of making things hyper palatable is putting in a lot of sugar and a lot of fat.”