Refined flour exhibits addictive properties comparable to certain drugs
Multiple studies demonstrate that refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and ultra-processed foods engage the brain's dopaminergic reward pathways in a manner comparable to drugs of abuse, supporting the concept of food addiction.
The retrieved literature consistently supports the premise that refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed, high-sugar foods activate mesocorticolimbic reward pathways similarly to addictive substances, resulting in compulsive behaviors, tolerance, and craving. There are no refuting papers in the provided set.
Allen PJ, Batra P, Geiger BM, Wommack T, Gilhooly C, Pothos EN. Rationale and consequences of reclassifying obesity as an addictive disorder: neurobiology, food environment and social policy perspectives.. 2012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.05.005
Paper [1] discusses how palatable foods activate hedonic brain pathways that overlap with drugs of abuse, leading to addiction-like behaviors.
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Atar A. Neurobiological Consequences of High-Fat High-Sugar Diets on the Mesocorticolimbic System: a Narrative Review.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-026-00729-5
Paper [3] notes that high-fat, high-sugar diets reshape reward circuitry in ways that mirror substance addiction, promoting tolerance, craving, and compulsive consumption.
Poon E, Li C, Schweitzer D, Akefe I. Neurobiological insights into the effects of ultra-processed food on lipid metabolism and associated mental health conditions: a scoping review.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1754492
Paper [5] reports a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and food addiction through altered dopamine and serotonin signaling.
Maffetone P, Laursen PB. Refined carbohydrates and the overfat pandemic: implications for brain health and public health policy.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1585680
Paper [6] highlights how refined carbohydrates and added sugars reinforce dopaminergic reward pathways and drive compulsive intake.
Bennett E, Bellamy EL, Lycett D, Unwin J, Whelan M, Wiss DA, Patel R. Changes in binge eating symptoms following an online community-based ultra-processed food addiction intervention: Liberate.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1807450
Paper [9] connects binge eating behaviors to ultra-processed foods engineered for hyper-palatability that activate dopaminergic pathways similarly to addictive substances.
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