Bryan Johnson warns that ultra-processed foods meet clinical addiction criteria in 53% of American adults and 62% of children's diets. People who grew up in the 1970s-80s show nearly double the addiction rates of older generations, linked to obesity, depression, and chronic disease.
The most addictive substance in the US Isn't illegal and it's sold to kids. A recent study found that kids who were raised on junk food exhibited comparable addiction rates to drugs and alcohol. Ultra processed foods became prevalent in the US food supply in the 70s and 80s. As a result, kids who grew up in that era, now aged 50 to 64, show nearly double the addiction rates of their peers who are now aged 65 to 80. In this study, addiction was defined by the same criteria used in substance dependence. This includes intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms, inability, ability to cut down, loss of control, and social and functional impairment. Junk food addiction is linked to all sorts of bad things like obesity, chronic illness, depression, and social loneliness. Yet even still, ultra processed foods still make up over half of the calories consumed in the US and 62% for children. If these same patterns continue, people who are now under the age of 50 may face similar, if not more pronounced levels of addiction. Parents, here's the thing. The foods that we normalize today will be the addictions that your kids fight tomorrow. The best thing you can do is is to educate yourself, educate your kids, and break this cycle. I believe in you.
