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Ishita Roy

Treat Ultra Processed Foods More Like Cigarettes Than Food, Says Study

Ultra Processed Foods (UPF) should be treated more like <span>cigarettes</span> than foods. A new study by researchers at Harvard, the University of Michigan and Duke University noted that UPFs have more in common with cigarettes than with fruits and vegetables and thus require tighter regulation. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Treat Ultra Processed Foods More Like Cigarettes</span> Than Food: What Did The Study Find Out?</h2>

Their findings, published on February 3 in the healthcare journal Milbank Quarterly, suggest that both industries have historically engineered products to maximize consumption and potentially drive addiction-like behaviors.

According to the researchers, both cigarettes and ultra-processed foods are developed using similar strategies aimed at influencing reward pathways in the brain. The study suggests manufacturers carefully calibrate ingredients to optimize the “dose” of sugar, fat or salt, ensuring rapid sensory satisfaction that encourages repeated consumption.

The paper draws from addiction science, <span>nutrition</span> research and public health history to highlight these overlaps. The authors concluded that many UPFs demonstrate behavioral and consumption patterns that resemble addictive substances, even if they differ biologically from tobacco.

Professor Ashley Gearhardt, a clinical psychologist at the University of Michigan and one of the study’s authors, said she often hears patients describe their eating patterns in language similar to addiction. She explained that many individuals report intense cravings for products like soda and sugary snacks, acknowledging their health risks but finding it difficult to stop consuming them.

<h2>Treat Ultra Processed Foods More Like Cigarettes Than Food: What Are UPFs?</h2>

UPFs refer to food products that are heavily industrially manufactured using ingredients rarely found in home kitchens. These often include additives such as emulsifiers, artificial flavors, preservatives and coloring agents. Common examples include sugary soft drinks, packaged snacks, biscuits, instant meals and processed meats.

Unlike minimally processed foods such as fruits or vegetables, UPFs are typically designed for longer shelf life, convenience and enhanced taste appeal.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/ultra-processed-foods-may-add-330-extra-calories-a-day-study-finds-article-153482759" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ultra-Processed Foods May Add 330 Extra Calories A Day, Study Finds</a>

<h2>Treat Ultra Processed Foods More Like Cigarettes Than Food: The Role Of Marketing And “Health Washing”</h2>

The researchers also examined marketing strategies used by food companies. They argue that claims such as “low fat” or “sugar free” may create a perception of health benefits while distracting from overall nutritional quality. The study compares this tactic to cigarette advertising in the 1950s, when filters were promoted as safety innovations despite offering limited protection.

The authors believe such marketing can delay regulatory action by creating confusion among consumers and policymakers.

While tobacco is not essential for survival, food is a basic human necessity, making regulation far more complex. However, Professor Gearhardt noted that it should still be possible to distinguish between potentially harmful ultra-processed foods and healthier dietary options, much like alcoholic beverages are regulated differently from other drinks.

The researchers argue that UPFs meet several established criteria used to identify addictive substances, including product designs that may encourage compulsive consumption. Regardless of whether UPFs qualify as addictive in a strict scientific sense, the authors emphasize that their link to rising health problems remains well documented.

The study recommends adopting strategies similar to tobacco control measures, including stricter marketing regulations, industry accountability and structural public health interventions.

However, not all experts fully agree with the comparison. Professor Martin Warren, chief scientific officer at the Quadram Institute, acknowledged parallels but cautioned against drawing direct equivalence between nicotine addiction and UPF consumption. He suggested that it remains unclear whether UPFs are chemically addictive or whether they primarily exploit behavioral preferences and convenience.

Professor Warren also noted that health risks associated with UPFs may partly stem from their replacement of nutrient-rich whole foods.

Dr Githinji Gitahi, chief executive of Amref Health Africa, warned that the expansion of ultra-processed food markets, especially in regions with weaker regulatory systems, is placing additional strain on public health infrastructure. He emphasized that without stronger government-led interventions, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases could overwhelm healthcare systems.

As research continues to explore the long-term health effects of ultra-processed foods, the debate highlights a larger question: whether modern food environments are shaping consumer choices in ways that demand stronger regulatory oversight.

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Ultra Processed Foods (UPF) should be treated more like cigarettes than foods. A new study by researchers at Harvard, the University of Michigan and Duke University noted that UPFs have more in common with cigarettes than with fruits and vegetables and thus require tighter regulation. Treat Ultra Processed Foods More Like Cigarettes Than Food: What Did The Study Find Out?Their findings, published on February 3 in the healthcare journal Milbank Quarterly, suggest that both industries have historically engineered products to maximize consumption and potentially drive addiction-like behaviors.According to the researchers, both cigarettes and ultra-processed foods are developed using similar strategies aimed at influencing reward pathways in the brain. The study suggests manufacturers carefully calibrate ingredients to optimize the “dose” of sugar, fat or salt, ensuring rapid sensory satisfaction that encourages repeated consumption.The paper draws from addiction science, nutrition research and public health history to highlight these overlaps. The authors concluded that many UPFs demonstrate behavioral and consumption patterns that resemble addictive substances, even if they differ biologically from tobacco.Professor Ashley Gearhardt, a clinical psychologist at the University of Michigan and one of the study’s authors, said she often hears patients describe their eating patterns in language similar to addiction. She explained that many individuals report intense cravings for products like soda and sugary snacks, acknowledging their health risks but finding it difficult to stop consuming them.Treat Ultra Processed Foods More Like Cigarettes Than Food: What Are UPFs?UPFs refer to food products that are heavily industrially manufactured using ingredients rarely found in home kitchens. These often include additives such as emulsifiers, artificial flavors, preservatives and coloring agents. Common examples include sugary soft drinks, packaged snacks, biscuits, instant meals and processed meats.Unlike minimally processed foods such as fruits or vegetables, UPFs are typically designed for longer shelf life, convenience and enhanced taste appeal.Read: Ultra-Processed Foods May Add 330 Extra Calories A Day, Study FindsTreat Ultra Processed Foods More Like Cigarettes Than Food: The Role Of Marketing And “Health Washing”The researchers also examined marketing strategies used by food companies. They argue that claims such as “low fat” or “sugar free” may create a perception of health benefits while distracting from overall nutritional quality. The study compares this tactic to cigarette advertising in the 1950s, when filters were promoted as safety innovations despite offering limited protection.The authors believe such marketing can delay regulatory action by creating confusion among consumers and policymakers.While tobacco is not essential for survival, food is a basic human necessity, making regulation far more complex. However, Professor Gearhardt noted that it should still be possible to distinguish between potentially harmful ultra-processed foods and healthier dietary options, much like alcoholic beverages are regulated differently from other drinks.The researchers argue that UPFs meet several established criteria used to identify addictive substances, including product designs that may encourage compulsive consumption. Regardless of whether UPFs qualify as addictive in a strict scientific sense, the authors emphasize that their link to rising health problems remains well documented.The study recommends adopting strategies similar to tobacco control measures, including stricter marketing regulations, industry accountability and structural public health interventions.However, not all experts fully agree with the comparison. Professor Martin Warren, chief scientific officer at the Quadram Institute, acknowledged parallels but cautioned against drawing direct equivalence between nicotine addiction and UPF consumption. He suggested that it remains unclear whether UPFs are chemically addictive or whether they primarily exploit behavioral preferences and convenience.Professor Warren also noted that health risks associated with UPFs may partly stem from their replacement of nutrient-rich whole foods.A Growing Global ConcernDr Githinji Gitahi, chief executive of Amref Health Africa, warned that the expansion of ultra-processed food markets, especially in regions with weaker regulatory systems, is placing additional strain on public health infrastructure. He emphasized that without stronger government-led interventions, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases could overwhelm healthcare systems.As research continues to explore the long-term health effects of ultra-processed foods, the debate highlights a larger question: whether modern food environments are shaping consumer choices in ways that demand stronger regulatory oversight.

treat ultra processed foods more like cigarettes than food, says study

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