In fact, it looks like all highly processed foods can make people become addicted to them, scientists say

Feb 21, 2015 10:09 GMT  ·  By

Researchers with the University of Michigan claim to have figured why it is that some people have such a though time sticking to a diet and losing weight.

Long story short, the scientists argue that highly processed foods are in a way not all that different to drugs, meaning that they can make guys and gals become addicted to them.

What's more, the specialists argue that, according to evidence at hand, some highly processed foods are more addictive than others. Apparently, pizza, chocolate and French fries are the worst of the bunch.

Interestingly enough, these treats also count themselves among the worst when it comes to maintaining a healthy body weight and staying in shape.

A better understanding of our relationship with food

If we're going to be honest here, we have to admit that, for most people, highly processed foods are way tastier than healthy snacks like, say, carrots or broccoli. Hence, it makes sense that they are preferred.

In a report in the science journal PLOS ONE, University of Michigan specialist Erica Schulte and fellow researchers explain that, in some cases, people respond to such foods just as they would to drugs.

What this means is that pizza, chocolate and French fries can trigger addiction-like eating behavior and, in doing so, contribute to growing obesity rates, Science Daily explains.

It appears that it is their high content of fat and refined carbohydrates that makes such foods addictive. By comparison, healthier dishes like brown rice and salmon do not seem to influence eating behavior.

The importance of this investigation

Writing in the journal PLOS ONE, researcher Erica Schulte and colleagues argue that, given the addictive nature of highly processed foods, it might not be such a bad idea to review existing nutrition guidelines.

“If properties of some foods are associated with addictive eating for some people, this may impact nutrition guidelines, as well as public policy initiatives such as marketing these foods to children,” the specialist says.

The idea is that, when it comes to fighting obesity, simply encouraging people to make healthier diet choices might not be enough.

Instead, perhaps health officials should implement measures like the ones used to curtail smoking, drinking and other instances of substance abuse.