Are YOU addicted to Big Food’s creations?

Researchers have been investigating the link between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and chronic diseases or adverse health conditions for decades now.

But we really have our work cut out for us here.

See, not only are these foods nearly impossible to avoid—but cutting back on them is a real challenge.

That’s because UPFs actually elicit intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

In fact, they trigger addictive behavior in the same way as tobacco and alcohol.

Let me explain…

A vicious cycle

UPFs are mass produced—meaning they’re cheap and accessible to most. They’re formulated using flavor enhancers, additives, emulsifiers, and preservatives.

This makes them “hyperpalatable,” which means specific components are combined in a way to make UPFs unnaturally tasty. And when you indulge, your brain’s reward center lights up.

This maximizes cravings… and fosters brand loyalty. And it happens across ALL ages.

In fact, according to the Yale Food Addiction Scale, around 14 percent of adults and 12 percent of children show signs of addiction to UPFs. (That’s comparable to the percentage of adults who are addicted to alcohol and tobacco.)

Indeed, it’s a vicious cycle that makes UPFs difficult to resist.

Of course, Big Food took its cue here from Big Tobacco. And similar to Big Tobacco, no one seems to be doing anything to stop the addiction!

As a result, we’re faced with a global obesity epidemic and soaring health implications.

You CAN break free

If you aren’t convinced this is serious, consider this…

There’s a new term for this phenomenon. It’s called ultra-processed food addiction or UPFA.

Of course, doctors can’t officially diagnose you with UPFA, which means there’s not much funding to help break the addiction. But it’s a real danger.

UPFA is associated with increased rates of metabolic diseases, like Type 2 diabetes; mental health issues; and of course, weight-related problems.

So, if you’re struggling to break free of the UPF hold, I encourage you to talk about it with your trusted doctor. And remember, this isn’t a “YOU” problem—it’s Big Food.

For me, I’ve always struggled with “food noise.” Even as I was committed to cleaning up my diet and losing weight, I was constantly thinking about food. I was able to escape this naturally—but I really think it’s because I never suffered from UPFA.

See, I was never allowed to eat UPFs. (Sadly, I think my generation was the last to avoid them.) So, I understand the fight nowadays is likely harder.

But don’t give up! There are plenty of tools at your disposal.

In fact, I have plenty of patients tell me that semaglutide (marketed under the brand name Ozempic and the like) minimizes their food noise, helping them to break free from the addictive hold of UPFs.

You can learn more about this option in the June 2024 issue of my monthly newsletter, Logical Health Alternatives (“Get the ‘skinny’ on the blockbuster drug helping people shed pounds”). Click here to learn more!

Source:

“Hidden in Plain Sight: The Growing Epidemic of Ultraprocessed Food Addiction.” Medscape, 09/18/2024. (medscape.com/viewarticle/hidden-plain-sight-growing-epidemic-ultraprocessed-food-2024a1000gsq)