247. Are Ultra-Processed Foods as Dangerous as We’re Led to Believe?

"Just because a food is categorized as an ultra-processed food does not make it bad or unhealthy."

Ultra-processed foods are making headlines, being blasted as addictive and dangerous, but what does the evidence actually tell us? In this episode, I unpack what ultra-processed foods really are, how the NOVA classification system defines them, and why the research linking them to binge eating, “food addiction,” and eating disorders is more complex than it sounds. We also explore how diet culture, restriction, and personal food history shape our relationship with food, and why finding peace with food requires more compassion and less moralizing of food.

What You’ll Learn:

1. What ultra-processed foods actually are, how they’re defined in research, and why these definitions matter
2. How media messaging about ultra-processed foods can activate guilt and food anxiety
3. What current research actually says about the links between ultra-processed foods, binge eating, and so-called “food addiction”
4. The limitations of using “food addiction” scales and why your dieting history can shape your behaviors around these foods
5. The power of habituation: how repeated, less-restricted exposure to ultra-processed foods can actually decrease binges
6. Why context, including diet culture, weight stigma, socioeconomic status, and upbringing, matters more than the headlines ever mention

Resources:

1. Examining the Nova Food Classification System and the Healthfulness of Ultra-Processed Foods
2. Grab the Hunger & Fullness Scale Guide at DietCultureRebel.com/hungerfullnessscale and take your next step toward building trust with your body and food.
3. Connect with me over on Instagram at @diet.culture.rebel.

Struggling with food, but not sure where to start?

You don’t have to feel 100% ready to get support. If you're tired of obsessing over food or feeling stuck in the diet cycle, my team of Registered Dietitians is here to help. We offer one-on-one nutrition counseling—and we accept insurance! Spots are limited, so head to https://dietculturerebel.com/insurance to see if we’re covered in your state and learn how to get started.