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Study finds ultra-processed food addiction may be worse than alcohol, tobacco

A new study reveals older adults are more addicted to ultra-processed foods than alcohol or tobacco, with women at higher risk. Here’s why it matters.

October 13, 2025 / 16:50 IST
You can quit smoking or drinking — but can you quit chips, sweets and instant noodles? New research says ultra-processed food is not just unhealthy but also addictive. (Image: Pexels)

A new study published in the journal Addiction has revealed an eye-opening discovery that shows that older adults in the US may be more addicted to ultra-processed foods(UPFs) than to alcohol or tobacco.

The study by a team of researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Utah followed over 2000 adults aged 50-80 years. They found that about 12% of these participants showed the tendency for addiction to ultra-processed foods.

In comparison, alcohol addiction was prevalent in around 1.5% of the group and tobacco addiction in about 4%.

The researchers observed that there is a striking gender gap in this addiction to ultra-processed foods, with 17% women with a prevalence, whereas only 7.5% of men were diagnosed with the addiction criteria.

Also Read: Health risks of ultra-processed foods and why it’s important to swap them for healthier options

The study also noted that women aged 50-64 years, around one in four, were identified as having signs of ultra-processed food addiction.

The study suggests UPFs — packed with refined sugars, added fats and artificial additives — are engineered to trigger the brain’s reward circuits, leading to compulsive cravings, loss of control, and withdrawal-like responses.

Those meeting addiction criteria also reported poorer overall health, increased stress, and lower social well-being.

Why This Matters for Health & Nutrition

Hidden addiction disguised as appetite
Most people dismiss frequent cravings or binge eating as simple hunger. But UPFs may hijack appetite regulation pathways, making control exceedingly difficult.

Greater impact on women
The disproportionately higher addiction rates in women highlight how social, hormonal, and marketing factors may make them more vulnerable to UPF dependency.

Wider health consequences
Chronic consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and inflammation. An addiction layer amplifies the risk.

Public health challenge
Researchers warn that if left unchecked, UPF addiction could rival alcohol and tobacco in terms of its burden on healthcare systems.

Steps Toward Recovery & Better Nutrition

Raise awareness — Recognising that cravings are not just “weakness” but potentially biological addiction is the first step.

Figure out your trigger foods — Log what you eat to spot which processed foods you can't seem to resist.

Switch things up slowly — Change a few ultra-processed snacks for whole foods like fruit, nuts, or whole grains instead of quitting cold turkey.

Listen to your body — Take your time, focus on your meal, and listen to your body's signals.

Take help from experts — Nutrition pros, diet experts, or therapists can help you make changes in your mindset around food.

Find people to do it with — Surround yourself with groups or communities that care about eating well or changing habits.

Also Read: Obesity isn’t caused by inactivity, ultra-processed foods to blame—major global study finds

This research sounds an alarm: ultra-processed foods might be hooking more people than alcohol or cigarettes, with women at higher risk. Beating this isn't just about willpower. It needs awareness big changes in how we make and sell food, and help for those trying to break free from the cycle.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.

Manjiri Patil
first published: Oct 13, 2025 03:16 pm

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