Junk food can be as addictive as alcohol, tobacco or gambling, according to a 36-country study published in the British Medical Journal, with researchers from the US, Brazil and Spain even suggesting some “ultra-processed” foods should be taxed and labelled to reflect this.
Ultra-processed refers to foods that replace traditional ingredients with cheap, sometimes entirely synthetic substitutes.
Their analysis of international data suggests that 14 per cent of adults and 12 per cent of children are addicted to such types of food, causing them to dangerously overeat.
‘I ate 7,000 calories a day and was never full’
Former Muay Thai fighter Jeffrey Zorn can identify. Zorn, 39, became addicted to ultra-processed foods while training in a remote Thai village and eating food bought primarily from a petrol station.
On a typical day, the Dubai resident would devour 7,000 calories in Gatorade, ice cream, sweets, canned coffee and processed carbs, due to a lack of options in the area.
Despite training for up to six hours a day, Zorn’s digestive and immune system was “crushed”, resulting in an autoimmune condition called weeping eczema, typically caused by an inadequate diet and lifestyle.
Observable signs of addiction include frequent cravings and a loss of control over consumption patterns
Dr Lina Shibib,
clinical nutritionist, Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres
“It’s a type of addiction that forms when your body is craving nutrition,” says Zorn. “This combination of processed foods does not exist in nature, which is why you can eat a bucket of popcorn and feel sick before you ever feel full.
“You never really feel satiated when you’re in this evolutionary state where your nutrition needs are not being met and you're constantly ravenous.”
The turning point came when Zorn returned to Dubai and was diagnosed with the painful skin condition. He then decided to go cold turkey to purge his system of all unnatural substances. “I used to smoke and giving up ultra-processed foods was just as difficult as giving up smoking,” says Zorn. “You must eat to survive so food addictions are probably the most difficult to overcome.
“I would walk up and down the stairs 20 times a day to get one square of dark chocolate. I definitely felt that struggle.”
Inspired by his own diet overall, Zorn founded Nourish Dubai in 2015, a meal subscription plan that uses purely natural ingredients.
“Getting through that initial blood sugar crash is difficult, but eventually that physical dependency wanes and you become much more rational,” he says. “I’d encourage everyone to educate themselves about what they’re putting in their body.”
'Food has become ... not food'
Dubai clinical nutritionist Dr Lina Shibib, says the typical UAE diet could be causing long-lasting health damage. “The prevalence of ultra-processed foods in the UAE diet exhibits variability, but a common trend involves elevated consumption levels,” says Dr Shibib, of Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres.
“This heightened intake raises legitimate concerns about associated health risks, contributing to the growing rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases observed within the population.”
Getting through that initial blood sugar crash is difficult but eventually that physical dependency wanes
Jeffrey Zorn,
founder, Nourish Dubai
Industrially processed alternatives are designed and marketed to be addictive, according to Chris van Tulleken, an infectious diseases doctor at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in London.
Writing in his number one Sunday Times bestseller, Ultra-Processed People, he says: “Over the last 150 years, food has become … not food.
“We’ve started eating substances constructed from novel molecules and using processes never previously encountered in our evolutionary history.”
These include the obvious suspects such as soft drinks, chocolate, potato crisps and similar junk, but also less obvious staples such as low-fat margarines, vitamin-fortified cereals, packaged soups and other food that has long been advocated as healthy.
Not only are these substances addictive, but they also lack any nutritional sustenance, meaning we’re never going to feel full, no matter how many bags of crisps we scoff – and how many harmful additives we consume in the process.
The mental toll
As well as affecting the body, ultra-processed foods also have a marked effect on the brain, which makes addictions harder to overcome. “The impact of ultra-processed foods on the brain is notable, particularly concerning the activation of reward pathways that may lead to addictive behaviours,” says Dr Shibib.
“Their formulation, often rich in sugar, salt and fat, can activate reward centres in the brain, leading to persistent cravings and overconsumption.
“Observable signs of addiction may manifest in behaviours such as frequent cravings, a loss of control over consumption patterns and a consistent preference for these foods over more nutritious alternatives.”
Bin the biscuits, scrap the cereal
Healthcare expert and lawyer Joy Stephenson-Laws has dedicated her career to unveiling the hidden dangers in commonly consumed packaged products.
The president and founder of US-based Proactive Health Labs launched the non-profit organisation to educate people about their health and the dangers of food addiction.
“There are a variety of indications that someone may be addicted, including not being able to stop or limit the amount consumed despite a desire to do so,” she says.
Work with a competent healthcare practitioner to identify ways to eliminate these foods from the diet
Joy Stephenson-Laws,
founder, Proactive Health Labs
“They may also start hoarding food or keeping a ‘secret stash’ so that it is always available. Often, they have emotional or physical withdrawal symptoms if consumption of the food is abruptly stopped or reduced.”
Despite sudden abstinence being favoured by some, both Stephenson-Laws and Dr Shibib encourage a more measured approach to cutting out ultra-processed foods.
“Someone who is addicted to these foods, or thinks they may be, should work with a competent healthcare practitioner to identify ways to eliminate these foods from their diet and develop a nutritious eating plan,” says Stephenson-Laws.
“I would also encourage making other healthier lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep and exercise, drinking enough water, reducing stress and limiting alcohol consumption.”
For Dr Shibib, the process should be progressive, and supported by societal change. “Take gradual steps to reduce ultra-processed food intake, shift focus towards whole, nutrient-dense foods, cultivate cooking skills for preparing fresh meals, seek support from healthcare professionals or support groups and establish healthier habits like regular physical activity,” she says.
“Breaking the cycle necessitates a comprehensive approach, combining individual efforts with societal changes aimed at fostering healthier food environments.”
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Squad
Ali Kasheif, Salim Rashid, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Khalfan Mubarak, Ali Mabkhout, Omar Abdulrahman, Mohammed Al Attas, Abdullah Ramadan, Zayed Al Ameri (Al Jazira), Mohammed Al Shamsi, Hamdan Al Kamali, Mohammed Barghash, Khalil Al Hammadi (Al Wahda), Khalid Essa, Mohammed Shaker, Ahmed Barman, Bandar Al Ahbabi (Al Ain), Al Hassan Saleh, Majid Suroor (Sharjah) Walid Abbas, Ahmed Khalil (Shabab Al Ahli), Tariq Ahmed, Jasim Yaqoub (Al Nasr), Ali Saleh, Ali Salmeen (Al Wasl), Hassan Al Muharami (Baniyas)
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RACE CARD
6.30pm: Madjani Stakes Group 2 (PA) Dh97,500 (Dirt) 1,900m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,400m
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 2,200m
8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile Listed (TB) Dh132,500 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,900m
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (D) 1,400m
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Scoreline
Saudi Arabia 1-0 Japan
Saudi Arabia Al Muwallad 63’
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Fixture: Liechtenstein v Italy, Tuesday, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match is shown on BeIN Sports
The five pillars of Islam
IPL 2018 FINAL
Sunrisers Hyderabad 178-6 (20 ovs)
Chennai Super Kings 181-2 (18.3 ovs)
Chennai win by eight wickets
World%20Food%20Day%20
%3Cp%3ECelebrated%20on%20October%2016%2C%20to%20coincide%20with%20the%20founding%20date%20of%20the%20United%20Nations%20Food%20and%20Agriculture%20Organisation%2C%20World%20Food%20Day%20aims%20to%20tackle%20issues%20such%20as%20hunger%2C%20food%20security%2C%20food%20waste%20and%20the%20environmental%20impact%20of%20food%20production.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
FIXTURES
Thursday
Dibba v Al Dhafra, Fujairah Stadium (5pm)
Al Wahda v Hatta, Al Nahyan Stadium (8pm)
Friday
Al Nasr v Ajman, Zabeel Stadium (5pm)
Al Jazria v Al Wasl, Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium (8pm)
Saturday
Emirates v Al Ain, Emirates Club Stadium (5pm)
Sharjah v Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Sharjah Stadium (8pm)
List of alleged parties
May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff
May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'
Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff
Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party
Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters
Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
Fixtures
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWednesday%2C%20April%203%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EArsenal%20v%20Luton%20Town%2C%2010.30pm%20(UAE)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EManchester%20City%20v%20Aston%20Villa%2C%2011.15pm%20(UAE)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EThursday%2C%20April%204%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ELiverpool%20v%20Sheffield%20United%2C%2010.30pm%20(UAE)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
Brief scores:
Manchester City 3
Aguero 1', 44', 61'
Arsenal 1
Koscielny 11'
Man of the match: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Should late investors consider cryptocurrencies?
Wealth managers recommend late investors to have a balanced portfolio that typically includes traditional assets such as cash, government and corporate bonds, equities, commodities and commercial property.
They do not usually recommend investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies due to the risk and volatility associated with them.
“It has produced eye-watering returns for some, whereas others have lost substantially as this has all depended purely on timing and when the buy-in was. If someone still has about 20 to 25 years until retirement, there isn’t any need to take such risks,” Rupert Connor of Abacus Financial Consultant says.
He adds that if a person is interested in owning a business or growing a property portfolio to increase their retirement income, this can be encouraged provided they keep in mind the overall risk profile of these assets.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The%20specs
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RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile
Started: 2016
Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel
Based: Ramallah, Palestine
Sector: Technology, Security
# of staff: 13
Investment: $745,000
Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors
If you go
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
EA Sports FC 25
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
