ultra-processed foods can be addictive
A recent University of Michigan study has raised concerns about the addictive properties of ultra-processed foods, like ice cream and potato chips, which are rich in sugar and carbohydrates. After analyzing 281 studies from 36 countries, researchers found that 14% of adults and 12% of children displayed signs of addiction to these foods, akin to addiction rates seen with substances such as alcohol and tobacco, as measured by the Yale Food Addiction Scale. While some experts are skeptical, the study highlights the potentially addictive nature of these highly rewarding processed foods and their implications for health policies.
