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Oct. 10, 2023 – Behaviours which could meet such 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, the scientists said.

A team of international researchers reviewed 281 studies from 36 different countries, finding “ultra-processed food addiction” is estimated to occur in 14% of adults and 12% of children.

They said if some foods high in carbohydrates and fats are viewed as “addictive” it could potentially improve health through changes to social, clinical and political policies.

“There is converging and consistent support for the validity and clinical relevance of food addiction,” said Ashley Gearhardt, the article’s corresponding author and a psychology professor at the University of Michigan in the US. 

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