food addiction

Question 1

looking at food addiction as a legitimate phenomona

Answer 1

Gearhardt et al., 2009

Addiction-Like Responses to Food: Gearhardt’s studies suggest that certain foods, especially those engineered for taste and appeal (like chips, sweets, and sodas), can activate the brain’s reward pathways in ways that resemble drug addiction. People show cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms associated with these foods.

Behavioral and Psychological Impacts: Her research has found that individuals who score higher on the YFAS (yale food addiction scale) often display behaviors and psychological responses similar to those with substance addiction, including loss of control over consumption, intense cravings, and emotional eating.

Risk of Overeating and Obesity: Gearhardt’s work suggests that food addiction might play a role in overeating and obesity, especially among people who struggle to control their intake of ultra-processed foods.

Question 2

addiciton of sugar

Answer 2

Avena et al., 2008

Addiction-Like Behavior: In animal studies, Avena found that high sugar consumption could lead to bingeing, withdrawal, and craving behaviors. These behaviors mimic responses to addictive substances, suggesting that sugar can activate the brain’s reward pathways in ways that drive compulsive eating.

Dopamine and Reward System Activation: Avena’s work has shown that sugar consumption causes a spike in dopamine levels, similar to how addictive drugs affect the brain, which can lead to tolerance and dependency over time.

Implications for Obesity and Eating Disorders: Her findings suggest that the addictive potential of sugar and processed foods may contribute to overeating, obesity, and eating disorders by altering brain chemistry and making it harder for people to regulate their intake.

Question 3

childrens consumption of ultra processed foods

Answer 3

Bel-serrat et al., 2019= research from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) showed that children with higher UPF intake had significantly increased body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and waist circumference from childhood into early adulthood. This study highlights that regular exposure to UPFs, known for their high sugar, fat, and calorie content, fosters overeating behaviors and weight gain across childhood and adolescence due to the rewarding, addictive nature of these foods​

.

vedovato et al., 2020=
Another study from the Generation XXI cohort in Portugal examined the effects of UPF consumption on children’s appetitive traits—like “food responsiveness,” where children are driven to eat in response to external food cues (e.g., seeing or smelling food). Children who consumed more UPFs demonstrated stronger appetitive traits linked to overeating, which can lead to long-term weight gain and difficulties with satiety regulation, potentially fostering a cycle of dependency on UPFs for pleasure and comfort