Adherence
Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), specifically beverages and snacks, is significantly associated with food addiction (FA) in young adults, independent of BMI and other demographic factors.
If you struggle with compulsive eating or 'food addiction,' focus on reducing ultra-processed beverages and snacks. These specific categories showed the strongest link to addictive behaviors in young adults, regardless of your weight. Prioritize whole foods to potentially reduce the reinforcing power of your diet.
FA was positively associated with greater consumption of UPF beverages (OR 1.48, p = 0.014), snacks (OR 1.26, p = 0.044), and NOVA score (OR 1.12, p = 0.042).
Why this rating
Cross-sectional design prevents causality; however, the sample size is adequate and adjustments for confounders are robust.
Source
Ultra-processed foods consumption associated with food addiction in Chilean young adults
Ximena Díaz-Torrente et al. · Frontiers in Nutrition · 2026
DOI 10.3389/fnut.2025.1722589
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