Why You Can’t Stop Eating Sugar And Ultra Processed Foods with Dr Jen Unwin #652
Summary
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee interviews clinical psychologist Dr. Jen Unwin about the reality of food addiction, arguing that sugar and ultra-processed foods trigger brain reward centers similarly to drugs. They discuss why willpower fails against engineered foods and advocate for formal WHO recognition of "ultra-processed food use disorder" to improve treatment access. The episode offers practical strategies for recovery, emphasizing environmental changes and personalized approaches over generic dietary advice.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Food addiction and the obesity epidemic
Defining food addiction vs. willpower issues
Ultra-processed foods designed to hook the brain
Evolutionary mismatch: Hunter-gatherers vs. modern diet
The stigma of addiction and personal responsibility
Why food addiction needs formal medical recognition
Sponsor: InsideTracker health optimization
Identifying addictive foods: Sugar, fat, and salt
The danger of restriction and over-restriction
Genetics, environment, and childhood influences
The CRAVED criteria for diagnosing food addiction
Case study: Recognizing addiction in others
Practical strategies: Finding motivation and triggers
Rehearsing social situations and handling slip-ups
Cold turkey vs. gradual reduction and low-carb diets
Managing addiction with unsupportive partners or family
The role of marketing and environmental cues
Resources: Books, groups, and the power of hope
Listener Q&A: Children, blood sugar, and closing thoughts
Listen ad-free on Castria