Signs that you are dangerously addicted to ultra-processed foods

In an era where splurging on multi-national cuisines and coffee cultures is the way of being at par with trends, people have stopped caring about what they put inside their bodies. Any new snack in the market is worth a try or a dozen, no matter how it is made and what ingredients it contains.

According to a 36-country study published in the British Medical Journal, ultra-processed food or junk food can be as addictive as alcohol, tobacco, or gambling. The team of researchers reviewed 281 studies to find out that " ultra-processed food addiction ' is estimated to occur in 14% of adults and 12% of children. This is why they are now demanding that some ultra-processed food be labelled as having properties of addictive substances to "improve global health"

The addiction to these foods is so much that they can have symptoms such as intense cravings, symptoms of withdrawal, and continued consumption, despite their adverse effects. But did you know, there are certain signs that can help you figure out if you are dangerously addicted to ultra-processed foods? Here's what they are.

Intense cravings
When one consumes ultra-processed food high in sugar, fat and salt, they can experience hormonal and neurobiological changes that lead to addictive behaviours such as intense cravings. Ghrelin is a hormone responsible for regulating hunger and leptin is responsible for signalling satiety and inhibiting food intake. Consumption of ultra-processed food can disturb the balance in these hormones leading to people experiencing intense cravings and even going as far as developing leptin resistance, where the body no longer responds to overeating.

Signs of withdrawal
When you develop an addiction to a particular junk food and are trying to lessen its consumption, it is normal to experience signs of withdrawal such as irritability, difficulty in concentrating or headaches. For example, some coffees contain added ingredients that can lead to addiction to a level where you don't feel awake if you've not had coffee, experience headaches and are in an irritable mood because the body has not received its daily dose of the addictive substances in the coffee.

Loss over control of consumption
In July 2022, for a study the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging asked a sample of adults between 50-80 about symptoms of addiction to ultra-processed food and 19% of them explained loss of control over the consumption of the food as a symptom. This essentially meant that even though they desired to cut down the intake of the food item at least 2-3 times a week, they were unable to do so. If you feel any such food item is essential to your mental or physical functioning, you must take it as a sign of addiction.

Hoarding food
This is the most common and direct sign of addiction to ultra-processed food. While in children hoarding food can come as hiding bites of food in drawers or under their beds, in adults, it might look something like buying one pizza and eating it in a manner that lasts for two to three days. While some may push it under the guise of a financial decision, on close elaboration you are sure to find out that it is so you don't have to keep on buying more junk food to satisfy the cravings in the future. In case you follow this process, it is high time to overlook the cycle of consumption of junk food in your daily routines.

Secret stashes
Some, who may be called out on their addiction to certain ultra-processed food items, begin keeping secret stashes. These are commonly used during the late nights and early mornings when no one is watching and you are free to satisfy your cravings. If you keep secret stashes of any junk food, it is a sign of addiction as it showcases that you can not function without consuming them and need them to make you feel better.

Note: These signs are based on common research. To properly diagnose any kind of addiction, please consult your general physician.