Ultra-processed food addiction in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the USA

The prevalence of ultra-processed food addiction (UPFA) in older adults

This research examines the prevalence of ultra-processed food addiction (UPFA) in older adults in the United States, highlighting its significant association with various health domains. Conducted in July 2022 using the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, the study involved a nationally representative sample of 2038 adults aged 50–80 years. The overall prevalence of UPFA was found to be 12.4%, with a notable disparity between genders—16.9% in women compared to 7.5% in men. The highest prevalence was observed in women aged 50–64 years (21%). The study utilized the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 to assess UPFA criteria, as well as various self-reported instruments to evaluate health-related domains. Key findings indicate that men and women reporting being overweight were significantly more likely to meet UPFA criteria, with odds ratios of 19.14 (95% CI [5.26–69.66]) and 11.44 (95% CI [4.56–28.71]), respectively. Additionally, poorer physical health was associated with a higher likelihood of UPFA, with men and women being 2.99 (95% CI [1.70–5.26]) and 1.93 (95% CI [1.26–2.98]) times more likely, respectively. Mental health and social isolation also showed strong associations with UPFA, with odds ratios for men and women indicating increased likelihoods of 4.02 (95% CI [2.19–7.38]) and 2.78 (95% CI [1.79–4.32]) for mental health, and 3.35 (95% CI [1.83–6.14]) and 3.40 (95% CI [2.16–5.34]) for social isolation. In conclusion, ultra-processed food addiction is prevalent among older adults, especially among women who experienced a decline in the nutritional quality of the food supply during their formative years. The findings suggest that addictive consumption patterns of UPFs are linked to poorer physical and mental health outcomes, as well as increased social isolation. [NPID: Ultra-processed, UPF, isolation, food addiction, older, women]

Year: 2025

Reference: Loch, L. K., Kirch, M., Singer, D. C., Solway, E., Roberts, J. S., Kullgren, J. T., & Gearhardt, A. N. (2025). Ultra-processed food addiction in a nationally representative sample of older adults in the USA. Addiction. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.70186

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