Feeling Low? Your Ultra-Processed Food Habit Might Be to Blame, Study Suggests
A recent study published in Food Science & Nutrition has highlighted a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and elevated levels of food addiction and negative mood states. The research concluded that individuals with higher ultra-processed food intake also exhibited significantly higher scores for food addiction and mood disturbances, pointing to the need for public health strategies addressing psychosocial factors in dietary behavior.
The study involved 3,997 adults aged 18–65 who completed an online survey between September 2024 and January 2025. Participants self-reported their demographic data, anthropometrics, and food intake habits. Ultra-processed food intake was measured using the Screening Questionnaire of Highly Processed Food Consumption, while food addiction and hedonic hunger were assessed using the Yale Food Addiction Scale and Power of Food Scale, respectively. Emotional states were gauged using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21.
Results showed that younger, female, single, and unemployed individuals were more likely to consume higher amounts of ultra-processed food. These individuals also had significantly higher food addiction and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 scores.
The study found that 86.7% of participants met the criteria for food addiction—a figure the researchers advised interpreting with caution due to potential sampling and measurement biases. Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that ultra-processed food intake was inversely related to age and gender, and positively related to food addiction and mood symptoms.
The researchers emphasize the importance of targeting emotional and psychological factors through interventions and awareness campaigns to curb ultra-processed food consumption and foster healthier eating behaviors.
References: Mengi Çelik Ö, Güler Ü, Ekici EM. Factors Affecting Ultra‐Processed Food Consumption: Hedonic Hunger, Food Addiction, and Mood. Food Science & Nutrition, 2025,
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.70248, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.70248
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.