Generation X depends on ultra -processed food. Sad data from the USA

In the US, many middle -aged and older people – especially women from generation X – show signs of ultra -processed food addiction – informs the “Addiction” magazine.

Scientists from the University of Michigan based on representative national data from over 2,000 older Americans, covered by the UM National Poll on the Healthy Aging.

As it turned out, 21 percent women and 10 percent Men of the X generation and the end of the Demographic Tint generation (Baby Boomers), currently at the age of 50 and slightly above 60 years, meets the criteria for addiction to ultra -processed food.

These people were the first generation of Americans growing up in an ultra -processed food environment – usually abundant in fat, salt, sugar and artificial aromas. They were children and young adults at a time when such products began to spread, designed for maximum attractiveness.

In their case, addiction to this type of food is much higher than among those who have grown up only a decade or two earlier and with ultra -processed foods have already encountered as adults. Among people aged 65 to 80 years old, only 12 percent women and 4 percent men meet the criteria for addiction to this food.

Scientists used a modified scale of Yale 2.0 food addiction (MyFAS 2.0) – created on the basis of a tool used in the study of addiction to psychoactive substances.

Addiction is defined by factors such as strong hunger, repetitive, ineffective attempts to reduce consumption, withdrawal symptoms and avoid social contacts due to fear of overeating.

Unlike traditional disorders related to the use of psychoactive substances – historically more common in older men – addiction to ultra -processed food is more common in older women. Perhaps the aggressive marketing of “diet” ultra -processed food in the 1980s contributed to this. Low -fat cookies, microwave meals and other products rich in carbohydrates were promoted as supporting weight control, but their composition could make it dependent.

“The percentage we observe here significantly exceeds the percentage of elderly with the problematic use of other addictive substances, such as alcohol and tobacco,” said Dr. Ashley Gearhardt from the University of Michigan, cited in the press material.

“We also see a clear relationship with health and social insulation, with a much higher risk of ultra -processed food addiction in people who determine their mental or physical health as average or bad, or claim that sometimes or often feel isolated from others” – described the specialist.

As she noted, children and adolescents now consume even more calories from ultra -processed foods than today's middle -aged people ate in their youth.

“If current trends persist, future generations can show even higher indicators of ultra -processed food addiction. Like other substances, early intervention can be crucial to reduce the long -term risk of addiction,” the specialist said.

Paweł Wernicki (PAP)

PMW/ BAR/