News

Study: highly processed foods are addictive

25 Feb 2015

A new University of Michigan study confirms what has long been suspected: highly processed foods like chocolate, pizza and French fries are among the most addictive. This is said to be one of the first studies to examine specifically which foods may be implicated in “food addiction,” which has become of growing interest to scientists […]

Study: highly processed foods are addictive

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-food-processed-meat-can-canned-image3278103A new University of Michigan study confirms what has long been suspected: highly processed foods like chocolate, pizza and French fries are among the most addictive.

This is said to be one of the first studies to examine specifically which foods may be implicated in “food addiction,” which has become of growing interest to scientists and consumers in light of the obesity epidemic.

Previous studies in animals conclude that highly processed foods, or foods with added fat or refined carbohydrates (like white flour and sugar), may be capable of triggering addictive-like eating behaviour. Clinical studies in humans have observed that some individuals meet the criteria for substance dependence when the substance is food.

Despite highly processed foods generally known to be highly tasty and preferred, it is unknown whether these types of foods can elicit addiction-like responses in humans, nor is it known which specific foods produce these responses, said Ashley Gearhardt, U-M assistant professor of psychology.

Unprocessed foods, with no added fat or refined carbohydrates like brown rice and salmon, were not associated with addictive-like eating behaviour.

Individuals with symptoms of food addiction or with higher body mass indexes reported greater problems with highly processed foods, suggesting some may be particularly sensitive to the possible “rewarding” properties of these foods, said Erica Schulte, a U-M psychology doctoral student and the study’s lead author.

“If properties of some foods are associated with addictive eating for some people, this may impact nutrition guidelines, as well as public policy initiatives such as marketing these foods to children,” Schulte said.

Nicole Avena, assistant professor of pharmacology and systems therapeutics at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, and a co-author on the study, explained the significance of the findings.

“This is a first step towards identifying specific foods, and properties of foods, which can trigger this addictive response,” she said. “This could help change the way we approach obesity treatment. It may not be a simple matter of ‘cutting back’ on certain foods, but rather, adopting methods used to curtail smoking, drinking and drug use.”

Future research should examine whether addictive foods are capable of triggering changes in brain circuitry and behaviuor like drugs of abuse, the researchers said.

 

Related tags

Events & Exhibitions

Related news

Sustainability meets innovation at Fi Europe 2023's Sustainability Ingredients Zone

Sustainability meets innovation at Fi Europe 2023's Sustainability Ingredients Zone

9 Jan 2024

Fi Europe’s Sustainable Ingredients Zone showcases ingredients forging a path toward a greener future. Three innovators are redefining what sustainability within the food and beverage industry means, with upcycled products, regenerative agriculture, an...

Read more 
Unleashing the power of plants at Fi Europe’s New Product Zone

Unleashing the power of plants at Fi Europe’s New Product Zone

5 Jan 2024

In the diverse landscape of plant-based innovation, Fi Europe 2023's New Product Zone spotlighted ten plant-based ingredients, tailored to meet the rising demand for sustainable and delicious options.

Read more 
Meet the innovative ingredients showcased at Fi Europe’s New Product Zone

Meet the innovative ingredients showcased at Fi Europe’s New Product Zone

3 Jan 2024

The Food Ingredients category at Fi Europe’s New Product Zone featured 19 distinct and innovative products. From fermented delights to sustainable proteins, these ingredients are ready to make their mark in the market.

Read more 
Fi Europe’s New Product Zone elevates the nutrition of everyday indulgences

Fi Europe’s New Product Zone elevates the nutrition of everyday indulgences

22 Dec 2023

At Fi Europe 2023's New Product Zone, eight health ingredients, each offering an enhanced nutritional profile of various products, were on display. These ingredients address the evolving needs of the food and beverage industry and cater to consumers se...

Read more 
Fi Europe’s New Product Zone explores fresh possibilities with five natural ingredients

Fi Europe’s New Product Zone explores fresh possibilities with five natural ingredients

20 Dec 2023

Fi Europe 2023's New Product Zone unveils five natural ingredients, each catering to the growing demand for clean products and embodying ethical and sustainable choices for today's conscious consumers.

Read more 
Water-conscious consumers, upcycled food, and tech-driven sustainability: Highlights from Fi Europe, part 2

Water-conscious consumers, upcycled food, and tech-driven sustainability: Highlights from Fi Europe, part 2

14 Dec 2023

With climate change becoming a tangible reality, consumers’ environmental concerns are changing. At Fi Europe, market analysts revealed how people are now interested in everyday issues like water shortages and tech-driven solutions such as GM drought-r...

Read more 
The food industry’s single-use packaging problem

The food industry’s single-use packaging problem

12 Dec 2023

The food industry’s reliance on single-use packaging is a sustainability “sticking point” with viable alternatives not widely available – but new EU rules mean food businesses will remain responsible for the collection and disposal of the packaging the...

Read more 
Snack trends, ingredient claims, and plant-based perceptions: Highlights from Fi Europe 2023, part 1

Snack trends, ingredient claims, and plant-based perceptions: Highlights from Fi Europe 2023, part 1

7 Dec 2023

Value-led snacking, sustainability storytelling, and the importance of having a ‘star ingredient’: we asked consumer analysts and market experts at Fi Europe about the trends and innovations that are shaping the food industry.

Read more 
HELM and Allied Biotech partnership make possible natural crystal-clear colours

HELM and Allied Biotech partnership make possible natural crystal-clear colours

7 Nov 2023

As one of the leading Carotenoid producers, Allied Biotech has successfully launched the clear colour product lines. The new products are mainly used in transparent applications. Clear colours are ideal candidates for replacement of the artificial colo...

Read more 
Impact taste in your recipe substantially - through Chilled-Fresh ingredients

Impact taste in your recipe substantially - through Chilled-Fresh ingredients

29 Sep 2023

Bresc is the European pioneer of Chilled-Fresh ingredients for culinary professionals that has its origins in French Cuisine. While focusing on best raw materials choice, Bresc’s recipes are conceived to inspire product development and to add-up in tas...

Read more