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Updated: Aug 26, 2025
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A Novel Procedure for Evaluating the Reinforcing Properties of Tastants in Laboratory Rats: Operant Intraoral Self-administration
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Withdrawal: A key consideration in evaluating whether highly processed foods are addictive
Lindsey Parnarouskis1, Adam M Leventhal2, Stuart G Ferguson3
1Department of Psychology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Summary
Highly processed foods may cause withdrawal symptoms similar to addictive substances. Research shows animals exhibit withdrawal, and humans report similar experiences, suggesting addiction models may explain compulsive overeating.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Compulsive overeating of highly processed (HP) foods is linked to obesity and chronic diseases.
- Some individuals exhibit eating behaviors mirroring substance use disorders.
- Withdrawal is a key addiction criterion, but its role in HP food consumption is under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence for withdrawal symptoms associated with reducing or eliminating HP food intake in animals and humans.
- To assess the applicability of addiction models to compulsive overeating of HP foods.
- To identify knowledge gaps and future research directions regarding HP food withdrawal.
Main Methods:
- Review of controlled experimental evidence in animals.
- Analysis of preliminary human studies, including retrospective recall.
- Synthesis of findings related to neural reward pathways and behavioral changes.
Main Results:
- Animal studies demonstrate HP food withdrawal, evidenced by neural reward alterations and behaviors analogous to substance withdrawal.
- Human research suggests subjective withdrawal-like experiences, though often based on retrospective data.
- A significant knowledge gap exists regarding objective, experimental evidence of HP food withdrawal in humans.
Conclusions:
- Evidence suggests that HP foods can induce withdrawal symptoms in animals, supporting the relevance of addiction frameworks.
- Preliminary human data indicate potential withdrawal-like experiences, necessitating further experimental investigation.
- Understanding HP food withdrawal is crucial for developing effective interventions for compulsive overeating and related health issues.
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