New Research Challenges Beliefs About Ultra-Processed Foods and Addiction

A study found that consuming a milkshake did not cause a significant dopamine release in the brain's reward region, challenging the idea that ultra-processed foods are highly addictive due to dopamine surges. The research showed individual variability in dopamine response, unrelated to body weight, and suggested that the reward response to such foods may be weaker than that of addictive drugs.