We all might like some kind of junk food or a good burger from McDonalds or Wendy’s, but when was the last time you thought about what it does to your health? People who’ve had bariatric surgery will sometimes continue to overindulge in highly processed foods. Bariatric surgery is reserved for those suffering from obesity.
Those dealing with obesity are known to continuously indulge in such things made from white flour, sugar, butter, and the like. Even as far as gorging even if it means having to later endure vomiting, diarrhea, and even sickness.
This could lead to serious health problems. However, that isn’t the only negative side effect. Did you know that daily snacking on processed foods can actually rewire the brain’s reward circuits?
According to a new study, cravings for tasty meals light up the brain showing an increase in activity. Subsequently, this means that your brain is responding and reacting to the food. Just like cravings for cocaine do. This is causing people to question whether products such as fries or cookies can trigger addiction akin to that associated with drugs or alcohol.
This means that because your brain thinks these foods are good it sends dopamine the chemical responsible for making you happy through your body associating processed foods with happiness. If we know that it’s bad why do we eat it in the first place? If we say we want to cut down why cant we?
What Makes Eating Healthy so Hard?
Dr. Monica Peek is an associate professor at the University of Chicago and a board member of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Dr. John Jay Shannon is a principal with the national research and strategy firm Health Management Associates. Doctor Shannon is also the former CEO of Cook County Health as well as a board member of the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
They both explain that “It is not uncommon for persons with diabetes to be hospitalized with dangerously low levels of blood glucose because they haven’t had access to enough food. Food insecurity is a contributor to chronic diseases that are disproportionately borne by persons with low incomes and limited life opportunities. Food insecurity itself is a symptom of poverty and in the United States, of structural racism.”
Processed foods are cheaper than fresh food, last longer, and some can be more appealing because they are sweeter. It comes as no surprise that it makes up nearly 90% of added sugars.
The Part of Fast Food Companies
Although processed food is cheaper, that doesn’t mean that companies aren’t afraid to spend good money on it. In 2022, Domino’s ranked as the most-advertised restaurant chain in the United States, with a measured media ad spend of $774 million.
McDonald’s came in second with a spending of $638 million in measured media advertising. Wendy’s followed with $538 million. Companies are paying not only to make their food more accessible but more desirable as well. If you see a movie or product everywhere you look and everyone has it, you’re more likely to get it too.
Believe it or not, that is exactly what happens. In the last five years, McDonald’s has consistently recorded more than $35 billion in sales across all of its franchises. Some estimate the fast-food industry’s revenue to be about $200 billion in America and $570 billion globally.
Medical Changes?
To start changing this health crisis, there is a necessity to talk about food normally. An important step for healthcare systems is to normalize food insecurity screening questions for all patient visits. Just as healthcare providers ask about tobacco use, they should also ask simple questions to identify food insecurity.
It does not matter if it is an older adult who struggles to manage his diabetes or hypertension, a child with developmental delays, or an expectant mother without the means to get proper, consistent nutrition for herself and her baby. If we talk about food we begin to understand how to consume it and how to have a better relationship with it. Elected government officials also need to do more.
How Can It Be Stopped?
In late September, the White House hosted its Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. This event was the first of its kind in more than 50 years. Recommendations included increased access to free school meals; and making sure children have access to nutrition when school is out by expanding the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer.
At the local level, Illinois can join other states piloting medically tailored meal programs to reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes for people with chronic health conditions.
Illinois can also make progress in school breakfast implementation, in which we currently rank 37th among states. This can be improved by expanding the number of schools operating flexible modes of breakfast service.
Written by Jada Dunkentell
Sources:
Medical News Today: Ultra-processed foods may be as addictive as smoking, study says
Chicago Business: Food insecurity is a public health crisis, but solutions are in reach
Scientific American: Food Can Be Literally Addictive, New Evidence Suggests
Title Max: The Revenue of Fast Food Chains in America
Psychology Today: How Brain Activity Is Measured
Health: Ultra Processed Foods: Why Are We Eating So Much?
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Inset Image #2 Courtesy of Jerry Huddleston’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
