Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are mass-produced foods containing additives, with little to no whole food content. [1] UPFs are known to be addictive due to their high sugar and fat content.[2] New research has discovered that UPF addiction rates are prevalent among older adults throughout the U.S.[3]
Ultra-processed food addiction in older adults
This research study analysed a sample of over 2000 individuals aged between 50 and 80 years old, which was demographically representative of the U.S. population.[3] They found that a total of 12.4% of participants met the diagnostic criteria for ultra-processed food addiction (UPFA).[3] However, this figure varied with both age and gender. [3]
Women were more likely to have an UPFA than men, with 16.9% women and only 7.5% of men meeting the criteria.[3] UPFA was also more prevalent in the 50-64 age range, compared to those in the 65-80 age range.[3] The highest rates of UPFA were in women aged 50-64, with 21% of this sample group hitting the diagnostic target.[3] The study also found that being overweight, reporting poor health, and social isolation were also associated with increased risk of an UPFA.[3]
Why ultra-processed foods can be addictive
UPFs are designed to be very palatable, with high sugar and fat levels to enhance taste.[2] Studies have shown this can activate the brain’s reward system similarly to illicit drugs and other addictive substances.[2] Over time, if high UPF consumption is maintained, this system can become rewired, leading to withdrawal symptoms if UPFs aren’t consumed.[2] This can subsequently cause compulsive UPF consumption, which characterises addiction.
Risk factors for food addiction in older adults
Several factors have increased UPFA risk in older adults. Firstly, UPFs became more widely present in the 1970s and 1980s.[3] The 50-64 years old cohort in the study, which had the highest rate of UPFA, would have been children growing up in these decades, and therefore could have been exposed to UPFs at a young age.[3] Exposure to addictive substances at a young age, while the brain is still developing, is known to increase the risk of addiction in adult life.[3]
Growing up with UPFs can also shape eating habits as an adult, eating the same or similar foods that the individual is used to. Other factors that may disproportionately affect older adults and lead to increased UPF consumption include social isolation, poor mental and physical health, and ease of access to these food items.[5]
Symptoms and warnings signs
Recognizing UPFA in older adults can be challenging, as many of the symptoms are quite subjective. Patterns such as consuming large quantities of packaged snacks, sugary drinks, or convenience meals could indicate the presence of UPFA. Behavioral changes such as eating in secret or being distressed when unable to eat UPFs are also signs to look out for.
There are several symptoms related to UPFA, which include:[2]
- A strong desire to eat.
- Inability to control food consumption.
- Intense food cravings and withdrawal symptoms after a period without eating.
- Compulsive eating even if not feeling hungry.
In severe addiction, individuals consume food so compulsively that they have little pleasure from eating, but if they stop, they experience severe withdrawal symptoms.[2] This can inevitably cause a range of physical and mental health problems.[2]
The above symptoms characterise UPFA, which differs from overeating, in which the individual can reduce food intake without withdrawal symptoms or intense cravings. If you resonate with any of these features, you may be developing an UPF addiction.
Health impact of UPF addiction in seniors
Research studies have demonstrated that higher rates of UPF consumption are associated with a wide range of adverse health effects.[6] Poor nutritional quality and high levels of refined carbohydrates in UPFs can lead to weight gain and obesity, which in itself has many health consequences.[1]
Higher UPF consumption has been linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic diseases, frailty, and even cancer.[6][1] Additionally, high UPF intake is associated with increased risk of fatality from all causes.[6]
Older adults are already at a higher risk of developing many health issues and might already have underlying medical problems, which is only compounded by UPF consumption.
Tips to reduce UPF dependence
If someone is suffering from UPFA or high UPF consumption, it can be challenging to break free of these habits. However, some of the following tips can help reduce UPF dependence:
- Gradual reduction. Rather than trying to stop all UPFs in one go, try replacing one processed meal or snack per day with a whole food alternative. For example, swapping a packet of chips for some roasted nuts or a piece of fruit.
- Meal planning. Spending time planning and preparing nutritious meals in advance can reduce the risk of opting for a more convenient UPF alternative.
- Have set meal times. Try eating meals without distractions, like TV, to help build healthy eating habits.
- Address the underlying factors contributing to UPFA. This includes poor physical and mental health, and social isolation.
- Support network. Supportive friends, family, and healthcare professionals can help make recovery from UPFA easier.
Treatment options and support
For older adults struggling with UPFA, professional intervention may be necessary to overcome the addiction safely and effectively. Several treatment options and support resources are available. Medical professionals can help oversee the transition from UPFs to more whole foods, alongside addressing any adverse health issues related to UPFs.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective for various forms of addiction, and could provide some benefit for those suffering from UPFA. Support groups, such as Food Addicts Anonymous, can also provide support during UPFA recovery. If you, or someone you know, is showing signs of UPFA, please reach out to a healthcare professional.
