DiscoverThis Week in Addiction Medicine from ASAMLead: Ultra-processed food addiction in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the USA
Lead: Ultra-processed food addiction in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the USA

Lead: Ultra-processed food addiction in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the USA

Update: 2025-10-28
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Ultra-processed food addiction in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the USA 


Addiction


Using a cross-sectional online and telephone survey of a nationally representative sample of older adults (aged 50–80 years) in the US, this study examined the prevalence of ultra-processed food addiction (UPFA) in older US adults and its association with various health domains.  It found that ultra-processed food addiction appears to be prevalent among older adults in the US, particularly among women who were in adolescence and early adulthood when the nutrient quality of the US food supply worsened. Addictive patterns of UPF intake appear to be associated with poorer physical health, mental health, and social well-being.


 


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Lead: Ultra-processed food addiction in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the USA

Lead: Ultra-processed food addiction in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the USA

American Society of Addiction Medicine