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Review
. 2024 Jun;13(2):214-223.
doi: 10.1007/s13679-024-00569-w. Epub 2024 May 18.

Ultra-Processed Food Addiction: A Research Update

Erica M LaFata  1 , Kelly C Allison  2 , Janet Audrain-McGovern  3 , Evan M Forman  4   5
Affiliations
Review

Ultra-Processed Food Addiction: A Research Update

Erica M LaFata et al. Curr Obes Rep. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Detail recent advancements in the science on ultra-processed food (UPF) addiction, focusing on estimated prevalence rates and emerging health disparities; progress towards identifying biological underpinnings and behavioral mechanisms; and implications for weight management.

Recent findings: Notable developments in the field have included: (1) estimating the global prevalence of UPF addiction at 14% of adults and 15% of youths; (2) revealing health disparities for persons of color and those with food insecurity; (3) observing altered functioning across the brain-gut-microbiome axis; (4) providing early evidence for UPF withdrawal; and (5) elucidating poorer weight management outcomes among persons with UPF addiction. The breadth of recent work on UPF addiction illustrates continued scientific and public interest in the construct and its implications for understanding and treating overeating behaviors and obesity. One pressing gap is the lack of targeted interventions for UPF addiction, which may result in more optimal clinical outcomes for this underserved population.

Keywords: Compulsive overeating; Obesity treatment outcomes; Ultra-processed food addiction; Ultra-processed foods.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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