Are Ultra-Processed Foods Impacting Malta's Health?
Researchers are raising concerns about the growing addiction to ultra-processed foods (UPFs) such as sweets, fast food, and sugary drinks, with a study from the University of Michigan revealing significant signs of dependency among adults. The study found that 21% of women and 10% of men from Generation X, the first generation exposed to aggressive UPF marketing, showed signs of food addiction. Those affected were often overweight, socially isolated, and experiencing poor mental health. Women were particularly prone to UPF addiction, a trend linked to targeted marketing of “diet” UPFs in the 1980s. Mental health and social isolation further amplify the risk of addiction, with men experiencing poor mental health four times more likely to be affected. The findings highlight the importance of promoting healthier eating habits, particularly in Malta, where traditional Mediterranean cuisine offers fresh, nutrient-rich options. Overweight individuals aged 50 to 80 were found to be significantly more likely to struggle with UPF addiction, underscoring
Are Ultra-Processed Foods Becoming an Addiction? Researchers Raise Concerns
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) such as sweets, fast food, and sugary beverages are a growing concern among health experts, with researchers warning that many adults exhibit signs of addiction. In Malta, a destination celebrated for its Mediterranean diet and fresh local produce, the rise of UPF dependency highlights the importance of promoting healthier eating habits to safeguard both physical and mental well-being.
A study conducted by the University of Michigan surveyed 2,000 Americans to assess their eating habits. The findings were alarming: 21% of women and 10% of men from Generation X (aged in their fifties and sixties) showed signs of UPF addiction. Those most affected were more likely to be overweight, socially isolated, and experiencing poor mental health.
Generation X stands out as the first generation to grow up surrounded by UPFs, marketed aggressively in shops and media during their formative years. Lucy K. Loch, a graduate student in psychology, explains, “Today’s older adults were in a key developmental period when the food environment changed. With research linking UPF consumption to chronic diseases and premature death, studying addiction in this age group is critical.”
The study also revealed stark generational differences. Among adults aged 65 to 80, only 12% of women and 4% of men showed signs of addiction—a significantly lower rate compared to Gen X. Professor Ashley Gearhardt, head of the university’s food and addiction science lab, noted that the rates of UPF addiction among Gen X far exceed those of problematic substance use, such as alcohol or tobacco, in older adults.
The researchers assessed addiction using the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0, examining 13 key experiences linked to food addiction, such as strong cravings, withdrawal symptoms, repeated failed attempts to cut down, and avoiding social activities due to overeating. Interestingly, women were found to be more prone to UPF addiction than men, a reversal of traditional substance use disorders, which tend to impact older men more heavily.
Experts suggest that aggressive marketing of “diet” UPFs in the 1980s may explain this gender disparity. Products such as “low-fat” cookies and “low-calorie” microwavable meals were promoted to women as weight-control solutions but were often formulated to maximize cravings. Professor Gearhardt warns, “These products are sold as health foods, which can be particularly harmful for those trying to reduce calorie intake. This especially impacts women due to societal pressures around weight.”
This phenomenon has implications for Malta’s dining culture, where traditional meals are often fresh, wholesome, and nutrient-rich. Microwave meals and heavily processed snacks, while convenient, lack the nutritional benefits of homemade dishes or locally sourced produce. Overweight women between the ages of 50 and 80 were found to be 11 times more likely to be addicted to UPFs compared to those of average weight, while overweight men were 19 times more likely to show signs of addiction.
Mental health also plays a significant role in food addiction. Men experiencing poor mental health were four times more likely to be addicted to UPFs, and socially isolated individuals were three times more likely to struggle with dependency. These findings underscore the importance of fostering community and mental well-being alongside healthy eating habits.
Children and adolescents, who consume even higher proportions of UPFs than today’s middle-aged adults did in their youth, may face even greater risks of developing food addiction later in life. Professor Gearhardt emphasizes, “Intervening early may be essential to reducing long-term addiction risk across the lifespan.”
For those in Malta looking to embrace a healthier lifestyle, the solution may lie in reconnecting with traditional food practices. The island’s abundance of fresh vegetables, locally caught seafood, and olive oil offers ample opportunities for nourishing meals that prioritize health and longevity. Restaurants across Malta can play a pivotal role in this shift by championing menus that emphasize minimally processed, nutrient-rich dishes.
Whether dining out or cooking at home, opting for real, unprocessed ingredients is key to combating the rise of UPF addiction. By choosing wholesome options and supporting establishments that prioritize quality over convenience, both residents and visitors in Malta can enjoy better health and a more sustainable food culture.