Refined flour exhibits addictive properties comparable to certain drugs
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 83/100
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.
Evidence for · 5
Rationale and consequences of reclassifying obesity as an addictive disorder: neurobiology, food environment and social policy perspectives.
2012 · cited by 19
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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More for · 4
Neurobiological Consequences of High-Fat High-Sugar Diets on the Mesocorticolimbic System: a Narrative Review.
2026 · cited by 2
Paper [3] notes that high-fat, high-sugar diets reshape reward circuitry in ways that mirror substance addiction, promoting tolerance, craving, and compulsive consumption.
Neurobiological insights into the effects of ultra-processed food on lipid metabolism and associated mental health conditions: a scoping review.
2025 · cited by 1
Paper [5] reports a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and food addiction through altered dopamine and serotonin signaling.
Refined carbohydrates and the overfat pandemic: implications for brain health and public health policy.
2025 · cited by 1
Paper [6] highlights how refined carbohydrates and added sugars reinforce dopaminergic reward pathways and drive compulsive intake.
Changes in binge eating symptoms following an online community-based ultra-processed food addiction intervention: Liberate.
2026 · cited by 0
Paper [9] connects binge eating behaviors to ultra-processed foods engineered for hyper-palatability that activate dopaminergic pathways similarly to addictive substances.