Gearhardt · BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 2023 · expert commentary · n=?

Social, clinical, and policy implications of ultra-processed food addiction.

Cited 97 times in the scientific literature.

Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data

Narrative commentary and expert opinion without primary empirical data.

PubMed 37813420 · doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-075354 · record verified 2026-08-28

What was done

This paper is an analysis and commentary presenting arguments for conceptualizing ultra-processed foods high in refined carbohydrates and fats as addictive substances.

What was found

The abstract reports no numerical data or empirical findings, presenting solely a conceptual argument that framing ultra-processed foods as addictive can assist health improvement efforts.

Why it matters

It provides conceptual justification for applying addiction frameworks to ultra-processed foods across clinical, social, and policy domains.

Limits

The abstract contains no empirical data, sample size, or experimental methodology, serving as an expert opinion and narrative argument.

Cited by