This is a study from the National Poll on Healthy Aging
The Yolk
How Are Ultra Processed Foods Addictive?
- Ultra processed foods may include donuts, cookies, cakes, candy, chips, fast foods and sodas
- These foods can cause a dopamine release
- So we keep eating more to “feel” good and cope with stress
- Symptoms of “food addiction”
- Unable to control intake
- Cravings
- Withdrawal symptoms
Study on Food Addiction in Older Adults
- University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging
- Adults aged 50-80 assessed for food addiction symptoms
- 13% met criteria for food addiction
- Over 50% had at least one symptom – most common being intense cravings
- Who is most affected by food addiction in the 50-80 age group?
- Women twice as likely affected
- Women in the 50-64 age group
- Those in poor health overall reported more symptoms
- Those who reported poor or fair mental health symptoms
- Those who commonly feel isolated
Perspective
Food addiction applies to most ultra processed foods
- Anyone at any age can experience this, even though the study only looked at a certain age group
What can we do?
- Awareness is a great first step
- It is interesting that women aged 50-64 are most affected by food addiction – perhaps the health messaging growing up during this time was very much flawed
- Food addiction is not taken seriously like other addictions – even though the effects are detrimental
- Corporations create addicting ultra processed food know you’ll be coming back for more
- It isn’t your fault – the food was made to be addictive
- Try to not buy as much or have it around in your home, if possible
- Learn to cook real food to avoid the quick foods
- Change health messages for the next generation
- You have control over what your children eat to give them a good start
- Create a good relationship with food
- Educate yourself
- If you are experiencing food addiction affecting your quality of life, seek professional help from a therapist
Research & Resources
