Nutrition

Craving burgers and sweets? You might have junk food syndrome

4 August, 2024 . 0

As obesity rates soar, global experts say junk food syndrome is real and are calling for it to be a recognised condition. So what is it, and could you be addicted?

Ever decided to treat yourself to a chocolate biscuit and before you knew it, the whole packet was gone?

Were you simply satisfying a craving, or could it be the sign of a food addiction?

While not yet an official medical condition, junk food syndrome describes intense cravings for foods that are highly processed; high in sugar, salt, saturated fats and refined carbohydrates; and offer little or no nutritional value, dietitian Melanie Marino explains.

“Foods that contribute to junk food syndrome are cakes, biscuits, chips and sweets that are high in sugar and salt; fast food such as hot chips, burgers and pizzas; and ready-to-eat products, packaged foods and ready-made meals,” Melanie says.

Leading experts in ultra-processed food have called for the World Health Organisation and leading psychiatry institutions to recognise addiction to highly processed junk food as a legitimate condition.

Why junk food syndrome is a growing threat

Nearly half (42 per cent) of the energy Australians consume each day comes from ultra-processed foods, and research suggests up to 20 per cent of the general population may be addicted to these types of foods.

Many junk or ultra-processed foods are hyperpalatable – they have been designed to activate our brain’s reward system, which can increase the likelihood of overeating.

“Manufacturers have managed to develop products where the amount of sugar and fat contained comes together at this perfect bliss point that lights up your brain and releases happy hormones like dopamine, and people feel addicted to these foods, they can’t stop eating them,” dietitian Jemma O’Hanlon explains.

What are the associated health risks?

Our heavy reliance on junk food is putting us at higher risk of adverse health outcomes and a shorter life span, Melanie says.

“These foods are associated with cardiovascular disease, mental disorder outcomes, overweight and obesity,” she says.

“Emerging evidence also shows an increased risk of asthma, gastrointestinal health (issues) and some cancers.”

Not only that, Melanie says high intake of junk food can also significantly increase risk of type 2 diabetes.

“This is due to increased energy and refined carbohydrate intake,” she says.

“A recent study showed that for every 10 per cent increase in energy per day eaten from junk food there was a 15 per cent increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”

A recent review published in the British Medical Journal identified 32 health issues associated with ultra-processed foods.

The disturbing findings prompted researchers to urge governments – including the Australian government – to adopt preventative measures for junk foods similar to those for tobacco.

What does junk food syndrome look like?

Jemma says signs of addiction to junk food include craving those foods, eating them to excess without being able to stop, and generally feeling not in control of your food.

“There’s often a risk of binge eating disorder as well, which is on the rise and can be very harmful,” Jemma says.

Other indicators of junk food syndrome include becoming overweight or obese and being undernourished from not meeting essential micronutrients from core foods such as vegetables and fruits.

What can we do about junk food syndrome?

Jemma says addressing food addiction issues can be complex, but help is available.

“Food is complex, and it’s also very emotive,” she says.

“The first step would be to go and see an expert who can help you look at what you’re eating, and help you reshape your dietary pattern in a way that is still delicious and nutritious, and provides you with your body’s needs.”

Importantly, Jemma says it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to say goodbye to your favourite sweet temptations forever.

“It’s just about establishing a healthy relationship with food where you don’t have to go without, but you can still find other healthier foods that can give you that same sense of joy.”

More on ultra-processed foods and cravings:

Written by Claire Burke.