Two New Studies Suggest Highly Processed Foods as Addictive as Tobacco

Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) – Recent reports have indicated that the number of obese adults with multiple chronic diseases including diabetes and depression are increasing. Chronic conditions cannot only increase employer’s healthcare costs, but could potentially contribute to an increased risk of injury on the job. 

According to some statistics, it’s estimated that the overall food addiction rate in adults is between 5 and 10 percent. When broken out by gender, the addiction rate in women averages 12.2 percent, and men at 6.4 percent. However, a recent study led by University of Michigan psychologist Ashley N. Gearhardt, PhD suggests that highly processed food could be driving that food addiction. In fact, the researchers make the comparison that highly processed foods could be as addictive as tobacco. 

In 1988, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a report classifying tobacco as an addictive substance based on its ability to cause highly controlled or compulsive use, cause mood-altering effects on the brain, and reinforce behavior, and trigger strong urges. This report stood as the base criteria for Gearhadt’s study and comparison.

According to Gearhardt’s report, around 14 percent of adults and 12 percent of children exhibit the hallmark behaviors of addiction such as loss of control over intake, intense cravings, and the inability to reduce intake consumption despite negative consequences. 

The researchers determined that highly processed food triggers strong urges and cravings, which is a strong predictor of addictive behavior. Additionally, the researchers noted that highly processed foods does have psychoactive effects. The ability of these foods to quickly deliver high doses of refined carbohydrates and fat are the main contributors to such effects. 

Gearhardt points out that large food manufacturers refer to specific terms such as ultra-processed for foods that are knowingly prone to excessive intake, and likens the practice to the tobacco industry, along with the use of cheaper processed ingredients that impact health to cut costs. The researchers concluded that in order to address the public obesity crisis and save lives, strategies need to be implemented that recognize the addictive nature of highly processed foods.

In yet another study from the U.K. led by Clinical psychologist Jen Unwin, researchers found that a low carbohydrate clean food diet paired with psychoeducational programs significantly improved food addiction. The average age of participants in the study was 50 years, and participants were predominately female. 

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