Tag: Processed food addiction

According to the AMA, consuming ultra-processed foods on a regular basis increases a person's risk of various health complications. So, what happens when you quit ultra-processed food and what can you expect on this transformative health journey?

A 2024 pilot study on reducing ultra-processed food (UPF) intake demonstrated that participants experienced significant weight loss and mood improvements in just eight weeks. This reveals the profound changes that happen to your body when you stop eating ultra-processed foods, from enhanced gut health to improved mental clarity.

According to a 2021 review, food addiction affects up to 20 percent of adults, with highly processed foods being the primary culprit. For many, the question 'Why am I addicted to processed foods?' is a constant struggle, involving complex brain chemistry, psychology, and the hyper-engineered nature of modern food.

According to the World Health Organization, excessive salt from processed foods can contribute to high blood pressure, and reducing salt intake to recommended levels could prevent 1.7 million deaths annually. The benefits of giving up processed food span a wide range of physical and mental health improvements.

Research consistently reveals that ultra-processed foods, engineered for maximum appeal, can create addiction-like behaviors. What is the most addictive food substance behind these powerful cravings and repeated cycles of overconsumption? The surprising answer lies not in a single ingredient but in the deliberate combination of fat, sugar, and salt, designed to exploit our brain's reward system.

While surveys in Western countries often find that chocolate tops the list, the question of what is the most craved food on Earth is far more complex and culturally dependent. Food cravings are intense desires for specific items, distinct from simple hunger, and are influenced by psychological, social, and physiological factors.

According to a 2025 study in *Frontiers in Public Health*, over a quarter of people cite a lack of motivation as a barrier to healthy eating. But the reasons run deeper than simple willpower, answering the complex question, "Why do I not like eating healthy?"

According to a 2018 study published in the journal *Appetite*, individuals cutting down on highly processed foods reported withdrawal symptoms similar to drug withdrawal, including mood swings, cravings, and headaches. Understanding **what are the side effects of quitting junk food** is crucial for successfully navigating the detox period and embracing a healthier lifestyle.