Teams at several universities published an analysis in The Milbank Quarterly drawing on addiction science, nutrition research and the history of tobacco regulation. They found that many ultraprocessed products share qualities with tobacco: both can be deliberately formulated to amplify reward in the brain and to encourage habitual use.
Ashley Gearhardt, a University of Michigan professor and the study's first author, says some snacks can feel impossible to put down. She emphasizes that the point is not to equate eating with smoking, but to note that certain products are designed so moderation is unusually difficult.
The authors urge researchers, policymakers and the public to examine the larger systems that shape what appears on shelves, what is affordable and what is heavily marketed. They argue food policy may need to shift from blaming individuals to holding companies accountable. The research was reported by the University of Michigan and appeared on Futurity.
Difficult words
- ultraprocessed — food with many industrial ingredients and changes
- formulate — carefully create or design a productformulated
- amplify — make a feeling or effect stronger
- habitual — done often as a regular behavior
- moderation — control of amount or degree of something
- policymaker — person who makes public rules or policiespolicymakers
- accountable — responsible for actions and answerable to others
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever found a snack hard to stop eating? Describe one example and why it was hard.
- Do you agree that food policy should hold companies accountable instead of blaming individuals? Why or why not?
- How do price and marketing at stores affect what you buy and eat? Give one or two examples.
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