Some 14 of adults and 12 of children could be addicted to ultra-processed foods, experts have warned.
Labelling some foods as “addictive” could help people change their diets, scientists have said, as estimates suggest that one in seven adults and one in eight children could be hooked on ultra-processed foods .
The academics said that if some foods high in carbohydrates and fats are viewed as “addictive” it could potentially improve health through changes to social, clinical and political policies. The authors of the paper, which has been published on The BMJ, gave the example of a portion of salmon and a chocolate bar – the salmon has a carbohydrate to fat ratio of roughly 0-to-1. In contrast, the chocolate bar has a carbohydrate to fat ratio of 1-to-1, which appears to increase a food’s addictive potential, they said.
“Based on these behavioural and biological parallels, foods that deliver high levels of refined carbohydrates or added fats are a strong candidate for an addictive substance.” They added: “Ultra-processed foods high in refined carbohydrates and added fats are highly rewarding, appealing, and consumed compulsively and may be addictive.
“Understanding of these foods as addictive could lead to novel approaches in the realm of social justice, clinical care, and policy approaches.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
International team of scientists says identifying some foods as addictive could shift attitudes, stimulate researchResearchers from the United States, Brazil, and Spain, including scientists with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, published an analysis in a special edition of the British Medical Journal (BMJ ) with a timely and controversial recommendation: It's time for an international shift in the way we think about ultra-processed food.
Read more »
Lincolnshire Police sergeant takes on 48-mile ultra-marathon for charitySgt Mike Templeman is running 48 miles in memory of the 48 people who died on the county's roads last year.
Read more »
Amazon's 'powerful' BaByliss hairdryer that's 'better than expensive brands'The gadget is said to offer 'ultra-quick drying' and offers sleek styles in a matter of minutes.
Read more »
After ULEZ, Surrey council to take on Mayor Sadiq Khan over London day travelcard decisionAfter expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone, London's Mayor Sadiq Khan now faces another battle over the future of the day travelcard.
Read more »