The ‘addictive’ label on junk food can reduce consumption rates

Virginia: A new study has revealed that labeling foods like chips, chocolate and ice cream as ‘addictive’ can help reduce cravings.

According to the researchers, some people who consume foods high in refined carbohydrates and fats meet the criteria for a substance use disorder diagnosis.

According to researchers, one in seven adults and one in eight children are addicted to ultra-processed food, which leads to a strong demand for this food, symptoms of anxiety in the mind and body in the absence of such foods, and Loss of control over food intake may occur. And this can happen despite knowing the harmful consequences such as emaciation, poor physical and mental health, and poor quality of life.

Earlier, scientists have said that junk foods should be classified as drugs due to their addictive nature and harmfulness.

In this new study, international researchers reviewed 281 studies from 36 different countries, and found that 14 percent of older adults and 12 percent of children were addicted to ultra-processed foods.

Whereas natural foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and fish) that provide energy in the form of fats or carbohydrates or processed foods contain both.

Using the example of salmon, an apple and a chocolate bar, the researchers said that salmon has a 1-0 carbohydrate-to-fat ratio and apples have a 0-1 ratio. However, the chocolate bar has a ratio of 1-1, indicating an increase in its potential addictiveness.