This addiction is more dangerous than alcohol or tobacco, new study warns of a silent trap

A new study published in Addiction reveals that older Americans are more likely to be addicted to ultra-processed foods (UPFs) than to alcohol or tobacco. Surveying over 2,000 adults aged 5080, researchers found 12% met addiction criteria, with womenespecially ages 5064disproportionately affected. These foods, engineered to trigger brain reward pathways, are linked to poor health, stress, and social decline, prompting warnings of an emerging public health crisis.