An increasing number of studies suggest that the tendency to eat more ultra-processed foods than intended may not be due to a lack of willpower, but could be due to a kind of dependence similar to addiction. Ultra-processed foods, which are manufactured with high levels of fat, sugar, and salt, can trigger cravings, compulsive buying, and other behaviors associated with addiction to substances like tobacco or alcohol. More than 20% of adults and 15% of children and adolescents may show signs of this kind of dependence. Ultra-processed foods are made in factories using modified ingredients to enhance their flavor and shelf life. According to Evan Forman, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Drexel University, these products often contain numerous flavors and additives that make them highly appealing. These foods include snacks, fast food, many packaged desserts, processed meats, and non-alcoholic beverages, among others. In France, these foods account for more than 30% of the total food consumed. Experts who met in London in mid-May during the International Food Addiction Consensus Conference concluded that there is enough evidence to suggest that ultra-processed foods can lead to dependency, with or without eating disorders like binge eating. While people with such disorders may be more affected, the idea that certain foods can be addictive is not new. Studies from the 1980s on rats showed that these foods can trigger a strong response in the brain's dopamine reward system, similar to the effects of drugs like cocaine. Recent research has linked the body's intestinal microbiota to the addiction to ultra-processed foods, with people who are overweight or dependent on these foods showing a similar gut bacteria composition to those prone to other addictions. Cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which are key features of addiction, are also common with ultra-processed foods. For example, removing them from a person's diet can lead to headaches, fatigue, and irritability. A 2022 study by Ashley Gearhardt applied the same criteria used in the 1988 U.S. Surgeon General's report on tobacco addiction to ultra-processed foods. She found that these foods meet all the criteria for addiction, including the ability to trigger compulsive behavior. Studies on rats have shown that they will risk electric shocks to obtain industrial cakes and chocolates, suggesting that these foods are highly rewarding. The effects on mood are also notable, with some people experiencing a "euphoric" feeling after eating them, similar to the effects of nicotine. Ultra-processed foods are designed to be highly palatable, and scientists are still trying to determine whether all the ingredients or only some contribute to their addictive nature. Researchers have noted that expertise and resources have been transferred to the food industry, particularly in how to market products to specific groups, after the tobacco company Philip Morris acquired two food companies in the late 1980s to form Kraft General Foods, now known as Kraft Heinz. High consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to various health issues, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and mental health problems. A recent study found that children who consume more of these foods have higher levels of bad cholesterol and glucose. These foods are also associated with weight gain, possibly because they are easy to overeat. In an experiment, people who followed an ultra-processed diet consumed 500 more calories per day than those on an unprocessed diet, even when allowed to eat as much as they wanted. David Wiss, a dietitian and researcher in food addiction, explains that even people who are not overweight can show signs of addiction to ultra-processed foods. He notes that the intense flavors in these foods can make natural foods less satisfying. When National Geographic contacted major food companies like Kraft Heinz, General Mills, and Unilever for comments, only the Consumer Brands Association responded, stating that "demonizing" ready-made foods could limit access to nutritious options. Ashley Gearhardt advocates for clear nutritional labeling and warning labels on ultra-processed foods, similar to those on cigarettes. She also emphasizes the need to stop marketing these products to children. While these foods are convenient and widely available, the question of how to treat severe food addiction remains open. Some researchers are exploring the use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, which have shown promise in reducing cravings for food and alcohol. Other studies suggest that a combination of psychological support, education, and structured meal plans can be effective in helping people manage their dependence on ultra-processed foods.