January 31, 2023 – Food addiction could also be more common amongst older adults than alcohol or tobacco addiction.
More than one in eight older adults report signs of food addiction and say that highly processed foods cause them problems on a weekly basis, in line with a brand new study from the University of Michigan.
“The word addiction may sound strong in the context of food, but research has shown that our brains respond to highly processed foods, especially those with the highest sugar, starch and fat content, just as strongly as they do to tobacco, alcohol and other addictive substances,” said researcher Ashley Gearhardt, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the college, in a Press release“Just like with smoking or drinking, we need to identify and address those who have developed unhealthy consumption patterns and support them in developing a healthier relationship with food.”
The researchers analyzed responses from 2,163 people ages 50 to 80 as a part of the university's National Survey on Healthy Aging in July 2022. The study was published on Monday.
Addiction to highly processed foods was twice as common amongst women as men. People who were obese, reported poor mental health, or said they felt isolated were also more prone to meet the factors for food addiction.
The researchers used the Yale Food Addiction Scale to find out whether the respondents' behavior met the definition of substance dependence within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Participants were asked to think about foods corresponding to ice cream, candy, chocolate, starchy white bread or pasta, salty snacks, fatty meat corresponding to burgers or bacon, and sugary drinks. They were then asked how often Testify For example, the next applied to them:
- “I had such strong cravings to eat certain foods that I couldn’t think of anything else.”
- “If I had emotional problems because I didn’t eat certain foods, I would eat them.”
The researchers noted that older adults needs to be screened for food addiction during regular medical examinations in order that they might be referred for dietary counseling if needed.
“We need to understand that cravings and food-related behaviors are rooted in brain chemistry and heredity, and that some people may need extra help, just as they would to quit smoking or drinking,” said survey leader Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren.