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12.4% of Older Adults Addicted to Ultra-Processed Foods

9/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study finds 12.4% of U.S. adults aged 50-80 meet criteria for ultra-processed food addiction, higher than alcohol or tobacco.
Among women aged 50-64, the rate is 21%, linked to 1980s low-fat processed-food trends.
Overweight status, poor mental health, and social isolation markedly increase addiction risk.
Generation X, exposed to ultra-processed foods in formative years, faces caregiving and economic pressures.

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Story summary

A study finds 12.4% of U.S. adults aged 50-80 meet criteria for ultra-processed food addiction, higher than alcohol or tobacco.
Among women aged 50-64, the rate is 21%, linked to 1980s low-fat processed-food trends.
Overweight status, poor mental health, and social isolation markedly increase addiction risk.
Generation X, exposed to ultra-processed foods in formative years, faces caregiving and economic pressures.