According to a recent nationally representative poll, more elderly women than men showed indicators of addiction to highly processed foods and beverages during the preceding year.
The survey, which is a component of the National Poll on Healthy Ageing from the University of Michigan, was released online on January 30, 2023. In July 2022, 2,163 persons between the ages of 50 and 80 who were questioned over the phone or online. In order to assess their own behaviours and thoughts regarding addiction to highly processed foods including sweets, salty snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food, participants responded to 13 questions. Intense cravings, an inability to reduce usage, and withdrawal symptoms are some characteristics of addiction. Participants had to admit to at least two of 11 symptoms, as well as considerable distress or issues with eating, at least twice a week in order to meet the criteria for addiction to highly processed foods.
13% of survey participants said they had signs of addiction. However, women were more likely than males to report these symptoms (18% vs. 8%), particularly women in the 50–64 age group (22%). The percentage was much greater among women who reported being overweight or having fair to poor physical or mental health. The brain's reward system is stimulated by eating highly processed foods, which can result in an addiction. In fact, survey participants said they ate highly processed foods not just to satisfy hunger but also for pleasure.
These results are worrisome because diets high in highly processed foods are linked to diabetes, heart disease, and even some types of cancer.
