New data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging shows that about 13 percent of people ages 50 to 80 have shown signs of junk food addiction in the past year, led by overweight, lonely women ages 50 to 60.

Dallas, TX (Merxwire) - When you are bored or hungry, do you especially crave junk food like biscuits and snacks? According to the latest research, modern people rely too much on processed food, and such an unhealthy diet may even lead to addiction problems.

After one bite of junk food, the mood immediately gains relaxation and pleasure, and the fatigue is swept away. But did you know that ultra-processed junk food is more terrible than tobacco and alcohol, full of high in sugar, salt, and calories, is not a small burden on the body, and the latest research has found that eating snacks is as addictive as taking drugs.

The University of Michigan polled the diet of adults aged 50-80 across the country and found that 1 in 8 Americans over 50 may be addicted to junk food. Especially the elderly who are mentally ill, lonely, or overweight.

Twenty-four percent of these older adults said they had the urge to eat junk food at least once a week, and 19 percent tried to reduce or stop eating such foods at least two to three times a week, but all failed. In addition, 12 percent said their eating behavior made them very distressed 2 to 3 times or more per week.

Unsurprisingly, many ultra-processed eaters' favorite foods and drinks are very unhealthy, such as burgers, French fries, donuts, and sodas, which are fattening and addictive. Gearhardt, a researcher on the project, said that our brains respond to highly processed foods like tobacco or alcohol, which can be addictive, especially those high in sugar, starch, and fat.

Junk food addiction is not a disease but a phenomenon that cannot be ignored. If you find that you or your relatives or friends have similar symptoms, you can consult a doctor or nutritionist first. Under professional guidance, you can formulate your diet plan appropriately, develop long-term healthy eating habits, and help solve the problem of food addiction.