Why Gen X women can't stop eating ultra-processed foods

"They were the first generation of Americans to grow up with ultra-processed foods all around them - products typically loaded with extra fat, salt, sugar and flavorings. They were children and young adults at a time when such products, designed to maximize their appeal, proliferated. Now, a study shows, 21% of women and 10% of men in Generation X and the tail end of the Baby Boom generation, now in their 50s and early 60s, meet criteria for addiction to these ultra-processed foods."

"That rate is far higher than it is among adults who grew up just a decade or two earlier, and only encountered ultra-processed foods in adulthood. Among adults age 65 to 80, just 12% of women and 4% of men meet criteria for ultra-processed food addiction. The study, published in the journal Addiction by a team from the University of Michigan, is based on nationally representative data from more than 2,000 older Americans surveyed by the U-M National Poll on Healthy Aging."

"The researchers used the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0), a standardized tool adapted from the criteria used to diagnose substance use disorders. The scale asks about 13 experiences with ultraprocessed foods and drinks that define addiction, such as strong cravings, repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down, withdrawal symptoms, and avoiding social activities because of fear of overeating. In this case, the "substance" is not alcohol or nicotine, but highly rewarding ultra-processed foods such as sweets, fast food, and sugary"

Generation X and the younger Baby Boom cohort in their 50s and early 60s show markedly elevated rates of ultra-processed food addiction, with 21% of women and 10% of men meeting addiction criteria. Adults aged 65 to 80 show lower rates: 12% of women and 4% of men. Nationally representative data from more than 2,000 older Americans surveyed by the U-M National Poll on Healthy Aging were analyzed. The modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 assessed 13 addiction-related experiences, including strong cravings, repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down, withdrawal symptoms, and avoiding social activities because of fear of overeating.

Read at ScienceDaily