Scientists say junk food addiction is real and these are the symptoms to look out for

Sometimes it can be hard to avoid junk food, seeing as it is cheaper to buy crisps or chocolate than it is fruit and veg.
And while we like to indulge now and then. Experts have said junk food addiction is a real thing.
According to a recent study, they found that some dishes have been created not only to taste good but also to be addictive.
So as the saying goes “I’m craving a…” there may be more to it.
Those behind the study are even calling the addition a mental illness, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
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According to Ashley Gearhardt, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan and top researcher in the field of food addiction, they found several symptoms of “ultra-processed food use disorder” or “highly-processed food use disorder.”
These included intense cravings and difficulty cutting down constipation. Not forgetting withdrawal symptoms including irritability and agitation in trying to reduce their intake.
Experts even say that certain foods have the power to change our minds which can contribute to mood disorders, learning impairments, mood disorders and cognitive decline.
This follows a 2017 study which was published by PLoS One which found that after four days of having a highly sugared and saturated fat breakfast, individuals saw a decline in some of their learning and memory tests.
This was compared to those who had healthier breakfasts and carried out the same performance tests.
Meanwhile, another review published last month in the BMJ found that diets with high levels of ultra-processed foods had an increased risk of anxiety, depression and sleep problems.
While it isn’t hard to avoid ultra-processed foods it does something to the brain which makes us crave it more.
Gearhardt said these feelings are similar to those who use addictive drugs including nicotine and alcohol.
She told WSI: “People intensely crave ultra-processed foods and consume them compulsively and find they can’t stop eating them.”
Gearhardt explained it could be the way the food is produced with the cellular structure of ingredients such as chips and cereals, which is often broken down and stripped of water and fibre making it easier to chew and digest.
Some of the top foods that people found addictive include ice cream, french fries, pizza, chocolate and chips, according to Gearhardt’s studies.
However, despite scientists saying that not all ultra-processed foods are created equal, some may be good for you.