Ultra-processed foods dominate grocery shelves and account for more than half of the calories consumed in the U.S. diet. Researchers now warn that these products may be addictive, triggering the same brain pathways as alcohol or nicotine. Studies show they can drive compulsive eating, rewire brain structures, and increase risks of obesity, diabetes, and even early-onset colorectal cancer. Seniors are especially vulnerable because these foods are cheap, convenient, and often relied upon in fixed-income households. Recognizing their addictive potential is key to protecting public health and reshaping food policy.
