Dr. Vera Tarman – Author, Speaker & Food Addiction Expert

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Food Junkies Podcast Ep. 226: Dr. Jen Unwin on Consensus, Recovery Outcomes, and the Future of Food Addiction Treatment

Dr. Jen Unwin

In this episode of Food Junkies Podcast, Molly and Clarissa sit down with clinical psychologist, researcher, and international food addiction advocate Dr. Jen Unwin to unpack a trifecta of groundbreaking developments in the field of Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder (UPFUD). If you’ve been craving science-backed insight, real recovery stories, and practical hope for the future, this conversation delivers.

Two Major Research Milestones

  • The Delphi Consensus Paper, which brings together 40 global experts to define and validate Ultra-Processed Food Addiction as a diagnostic concept
  • The 12-Month Outcome Study, which demonstrates remarkable long-term improvements in food addiction symptoms and mental wellbeing across diverse international recovery programs

The Upcoming International Food Addiction & Comorbidities Conference (IFACC 2025)

Hosted in London this September, this two-day event will bring together clinicians, researchers, and the recovery community to spotlight UPFA’s role in mental health, metabolic illness, trauma, and more.

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Food Junkies Podcast Ep. 225: Dr. Vera Tarman & Bitten Jonsson Reflect on Food Addiction Recovery

Bitten Jonsson

In this extraordinary episode, Food Junkies host Dr. Vera Tarman turns the mic on herself—joined by Swedish trailblazer Bitten Jonsson—for a deeply personal, no-holds-barred conversation on their parallel journeys through food addiction, recovery, and advocacy. With over 60 years of combined experience in addiction medicine, Vera and Bitten walk us through the moments they first recognized their struggles with food and sugar, the evolving science of addiction, and how their professional paths have shaped the global conversation around Ultra-Processed Food Addiction.

In this episode, we cover:

  • When and how Vera and Bitten each first realized they had a problem with food
  • Bitten’s early days applying addiction models to sugar use in Sweden
  • Vera’s turning point from bulimia and obsession to scientific clarity
  • The evolution of treatment approaches—from restrictive diets to holistic care
  • Why the addiction model matters—and how it still faces resistance
  • Stories of frustration, discovery, and determination
  • The roots of their pioneering programs, books, and diagnostic tools
  • What’s next for food addiction science and how professionals can catch up
  • And yes, the dogs that helped heal their hearts

Key Takeaways:

  • “Food addiction” is too broad—refined sugar and flour are the real psychoactive substances
  • Early recovery often mimicked diet culture—freedom came through connection and knowledge
  • Recovery is not just physical or behavioral—it’s metabolic, neurological, psychological, and spiritual
  • Both Vera and Bitten believe we’re at a turning point: a renaissance in food addiction awareness and professional training

Where Do We Go From Here?

Vera and Bitten envision a future where every doctor, nurse, therapist, and policymaker is trained in recognizing and treating food addiction. They call for compassion, clarity, and connection in how we talk about—and treat—this misunderstood condition.

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Food Junkies Podcast Ep. 224: Dr. Eike Buabang – Breaking the Habit Loop: How Our Brains Build—and Battle—Behavior Patterns

Dr. Eike Buabang

In this powerful and timely conversation, we welcome Dr. Eike Buabang, cognitive neuroscientist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, to explore one of the most fundamental yet overlooked topics in recovery: habits.

Dr. Buabang studies the brain mechanisms behind habit formation—why we repeat behaviors even when they no longer serve us, and how stress, repetition, and environment shape our choices. Drawing from both neuroscience and real-world applications, he offers practical insights into how we can intentionally disrupt compulsive patterns and support lasting behavior change.

Whether you’re navigating ultra-processed food recovery, supporting clients in early abstinence, or trying to create new routines that align with your values, this conversation will give you tools, understanding, and encouragement to work with—not against—your brain.

In this episode, we cover:

  • What is a habit? (and why they’re not just “bad choices”)
  • The brain’s habit vs. goal-directed systems: how they interact and conflict
  • Why habits persist even after behavior changes
  • The impact of stress and how it shifts control from intentional actions to automatic ones
  • Why willpower is helpful—but not the whole picture
  • Habit stacking and implementation intentions for creating new routines
  • How environment and social context influence behavior (for better or worse)
  • Personal values, identity, and long-term habit sustainability
  • Applications for recovery from addiction, OCD, and UPF use disorder
  • How neuroscience can support harm reduction, self-compassion, and individualized care

Guest Bio:

Dr. Eike Buabang is a cognitive neuroscientist at Trinity College Dublin. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, he investigates how habits form, persist, and influence behavior—especially in contexts like addiction, decision-making, and mental health. His research uses experimental paradigms and EEG to explore the underlying neural mechanisms of habits and how they interact with our goals, environment, and emotional states.

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Food Junkies Podcast Ep. 223: Clinicians Corner – From Survival to Self-Compassion

From Survival to Self-Compassion: Understanding Our Protective Behaviors

In this thought-provoking Clinician’s Corner episode, Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab dive deep into the ever-popular term “self-sabotage” — and why they believe it’s not only inaccurate but potentially harmful in the context of food addiction recovery.

Together, they explore how behaviors often labeled as self-sabotage are actually maladaptive coping strategies, formed through years of survival. These are not signs of brokenness, but evidence of brilliance in navigating pain, trauma, and unmet needs. The duo discusses how using shame-based language like “chronic relapser” or “self-sabotage” can derail healing, and instead, offer curiosity, compassion, and nervous system awareness as more empowering alternatives.

This episode is packed with insight, real client stories, and powerful reframes that will resonate with anyone navigating food addiction, emotional eating, or recovery setbacks.

Key Takeaways:

1 Respect for the Person

  • “Self-sabotage” often reflects nervous system dysregulation, not moral failure — these behaviors were once adaptive strategies that worked to protect you.
  • Your brain prioritizes the familiar over the functional — even if the familiar thing hurts, it still feels safer than the unknown.
  • Terms like “chronic relapser” can shut down curiosity and growth — replacing them with language like “chronic ambivalence” invites exploration and self-kindness.
  • Recovery often feels like pressing the gas and the brake at the same time — you want to grow, but fear, beliefs, or unprocessed grief can hold you back.
  • Even “maladaptive” behaviors are skills — they were practiced over time. With intention and compassion, new habits can be learned the same way.
  • Behaviors like bingeing after a win, or striving for perfection, are clues — not failures. Ask, “What is this trying to tell me?”
  • Connection is key — community and co-regulation help us see progress we can’t always witness in ourselves.
  • Clinician Gems:
  • “There’s no such thing as self-sabotage — only unmet needs and unprocessed fear.”
  • “Recovery takes courage, not perfection.”
  • “We don’t erase progress with a slip. Practice doesn’t disappear.”
  • “The goal isn’t a perfect streak — it’s the pattern of returning.”
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Food Junkies Podcast Ep. 222: Dr. David Wiss

Dr. David Wiss

In this powerful and deeply nuanced episode, Dr. Vera Tarman and Molly Painschab welcome back Dr. David Wiss to explore one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in the field: the intersection of food addiction and eating disorders.

With his unique background in both nutrition and public health, Dr. Wiss walks us through the historical divide between the food addiction and eating disorder communities, the philosophical and clinical tensions between rigidity and flexibility, and how trauma, ACEs, and access to food complicate both diagnosis and treatment.

Whether you’re a clinician confused about how to distinguish between binge eating, bulimia, and food addiction, or someone in recovery navigating your own lived experience, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Is it an eating disorder, food addiction—or both?
  • Historical roots of the FA vs. ED divide
  • Why rigidity is seen as both the problem and the solution
  • The role of trauma, ACEs, and structural inequality
  • How clinicians can use timelines and clinical intuition in treatment
  • Why a continuum model offers more inclusive care
  • Ethical considerations in individualized vs. cookie-cutter treatment
  • The Wise Mind Nutrition app is a middle-ground tool for healing

Key Quotes:

“Everyone has a different neuropsychiatric profile… There isn’t a manual that’s going to work for all people.” – Dr. David Wiss

“We’re not just dealing with food. We’re dealing with trauma, access, systems, and stories.” – Molly Painschab

“Both food addiction and eating disorders have valid truths—and both need a seat at the table.” – Dr. Vera Tarman

About Our Guest: Dr. David Wiss

Dr. David Wiss is a registered dietitian nutritionist and mental health researcher who has worked with more than 1,000 patients over the past 12 years. He is the founder of Nutrition in Recovery, and a global leader in the field of nutrition for addiction recovery and disordered eating.

Dr. Wiss holds a PhD in public health from UCLA, and his work bridges the gap between neurological, psychological, behavioral, and nutritional sciences. He has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed papers, contributed six book chapters, and continues to challenge outdated approaches to mental health and nutrition.

Dr. Wiss is also the creator of the Wise Mind Nutrition app—an innovative platform that provides education, food logging, reflection tools, and clinician interaction for individuals working on their mental wellness through nutrition.

He is passionate about social justice, the gut-brain connection, and empowering people to heal themselves through informed, compassionate, and personalized care.

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Food Junkies Podcast Ep. 221: Dr. Lindsey Parnarouskis

In this powerful episode of Food Junkies, we dive deep into the intersection of food insecurity and food addiction with special guest Dr. Lindsey Parnarouskis. Dr. Parnarouskis, a researcher specializing in food addiction and public health, shares groundbreaking insights on how socioeconomic factors and access to food impact addiction-like eating behaviors.

From her research at the Food and Addiction Science and Treatment Lab to her latest studies on the role of stress, intermittent access to food, and ultra-processed food consumption, Dr. Parnarouskis sheds light on the social justice implications of food addiction. Together, we explore the barriers faced by food-insecure individuals, how stress amplifies cravings, and what clinicians, policymakers, and society can do to create lasting change.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Dr. Parnarouskis’ journey into food addiction research
  • The strong link between food insecurity and food addiction (people experiencing food insecurity are almost four times more likely to struggle with food addiction)
  • How stress, financial fear, and limited access to whole foods reinforce addiction-like eating patterns
  • The withdrawal experience in food-insecure populations and how it mirrors other addictive substances
  • Why policy-level interventions—like expanding SNAP benefits, increasing access to whole foods, and regulating the food industry—are critical for preventing and addressing food addiction
  • The importance of harm reduction and meeting individuals where they are in recovery
  • How clinicians can screen for food insecurity and adjust interventions to be more compassionate and effective

Why This Conversation Matters:

Food insecurity is not just about hunger—it’s about the quality of food available, the stress of not knowing where your next meal comes from, and the long-term effects of relying on ultra-processed foods. Dr. Parnarouskis emphasizes that food addiction is not just a personal responsibility issue—it’s a systemic issue that demands policy changes, social support, and a more compassionate approach to treatment.

About Dr. Lindsey Parnarouskis

Dr. Lindsey Parnarouskis is a clinical psychologist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Drexel University Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science. She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan and her predoctoral internship at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Parnarouskis’ research seeks to understand the role of economic marginalization in developing and treating overeating concerns, to inform novel clinical and policy interventions.

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Food Junkies Podcast Ep. 220: Dr. Weaver (The Link Between Ultra-Processed Food and Alzheimer’s)

Dr. Donald F. Weaver

In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Dr. Donald Weaver, a world-renowned expert on Alzheimer’s disease, its causes, and its treatment.

Dr. Weaver, a Canadian neurologist, chemist, and researcher at the University of Toronto, has made significant contributions to our understanding of cognitive diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s. His groundbreaking work suggests that Alzheimer’s is not just an inherited brain disorder but also an autoimmune condition triggered by environmental toxins, including metals, plastics, pesticides, and—most relevant to our discussion—ultra-processed foods.

Join us as we explore the science of Alzheimer’s, the role of diet in brain health, and what we can do to prevent cognitive decline. Dr. Weaver will discuss the inflammatory effects of ultra-processed foods, the role of the immune system in Alzheimer’s, and how diet is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for this devastating disease.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • Dr. Weaver’s journey into neurology and Alzheimer’s research, including a personal story that shaped his career.
  • Why Alzheimer’s is not just one disease but a collection of related disorders.
  • The role of inflammation and the immune system in developing Alzheimer’s.
  • How ultra-processed foods contribute to brain inflammation and cognitive decline.
  • The similarities between Alzheimer’s and autoimmune diseases.
  • Why head trauma, air pollution, and diet are major risk factors.
  • How diabetes and obesity increase the likelihood of Alzheimer’s and why some researchers call it “Type 3 Diabetes.”
  • The potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic) to reduce Alzheimer’s risk.
  • Why it’s never too late to make dietary changes to protect brain health.
  • The latest research on potential treatments and vaccines for Alzheimer’s.

    Key Quotes:

    • “Diet is the most important modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s.” – Dr. Donald Weaver
    • “Your brain is what makes you—you. Your memories define you. Alzheimer’s is one of the most devastating diseases of the brain.” – Dr. Donald Weaver
    • “It’s never too late to protect your brain. Delaying Alzheimer’s by just five years can mean more time with your loved ones.” – Dr. Donald Weaver
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    Food Junkies Podcast Ep. 219: Clinicians Corner – The Importance of Belonging in Recovery

    Hosts Clarissa Kennedy and Molly Painschab explore the critical theme of belonging in recovery. They discuss the concept of “othering”—feeling unseen, unheard, or misunderstood—and its deep impact on individuals in their healing journeys. The episode is framed around a powerful quote from George Orwell about the loneliness of being misunderstood, setting the stage for a rich discussion on attachment, connection, and the need for belonging.

    Clarissa and Molly share personal experiences of feeling different, whether in family dynamics, social settings, or recovery groups. They examine how attachment styles—secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized—shape our ability to connect with others. Understanding these patterns can help individuals navigate relationships and cultivate deeper connections.

    They also highlight the essential role of nervous system regulation in recovery, emphasizing the power of co-regulation—where we find safety and grounding in connection with others. The discussion broadens into various forms of belonging, including interpersonal relationships, collective experiences, casual encounters, symbolic bonds, esteem-building, and contemplative practices.

    The episode concludes with encouragement for those feeling isolated in their recovery journey. The hosts remind listeners that belonging is cultivated over time and that finding one’s community may take patience and effort. They stress the importance of honoring one’s truth, setting boundaries, and staying open to new connections.

     

    Key Takeaways:

    1 Respect for the Person

    • The Pain of “Othering” – Feeling unseen and misunderstood can be isolating, but it’s a common experience, especially in recovery.
    • Attachment Styles Impact Belonging – Secure attachment fosters deep connection, while avoidant or anxious styles can make relationships challenging.

    Nervous System Regulation Through Connection – Belonging and co-regulation with others help soothe the nervous system and support healing.

    Six Ways to Cultivate Belonging:

    • Interpersonal Relationships – Quality connections with family, friends, and recovery groups.
    • Collective Experiences – Participating in group activities or shared traditions.
    • Casual Encounters – Everyday interactions that remind us of our place in the world.
    • Symbolic Bonds – Connecting through shared identities, cultures, or symbols.
    • Esteem-Building – Feeling valued through contributions and recognition.
    • Contemplative Practices – Finding connection through nature, mindfulness, and self-reflection.

    Vulnerability and Authenticity Foster True Belonging – Sharing personal stories and being open can create deep connections.

    Belonging is Not About Fitting In – It’s about being seen and accepted as you are, not changing yourself to match others’ expectations.

    Recovery Requires Courage to Stand Alone at Times – Not everyone will understand your journey, but staying true to yourself is essential.

    Finding Your People Takes Time – Your community is out there. Keep showing up, being authentic, and honoring your truth.

    Closing Thoughts::

    Your journey is valid. You are worthy of belonging exactly as you are. Keep searching for your community—they exist, and they will welcome you with open arms.

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    Food Junkies Podcast Ep. 218: Nick Norwitz p2

    In this episode, we welcome back Nick Norwitz for Part 2 of our deep dive into metabolism, food addiction, and dietary nuances. We cover everything from broken metabolisms to the role of hormones in weight regulation, the impact of glycemic load, and the ongoing debate about fruit, dairy, olive oil, and the carnivore diet. If you’ve ever wondered about food science versus food fear-mongering, this is the episode for you!

    Key Topics Discussed:

    1 Understanding “Broken Metabolism”

    The difference between metabolic dysfunction and metabolic perception.

     The role of insulin and other hormones in fat storage and hunger regulation.

    Why glycemic load matters more than calorie counting in weight loss.

    The importance of patience in metabolic healing, especially after years of processed food consumption.

    2 Why Weight Loss Can Plateau

    Metabolic adaptation and how fat cells retain memory.

    How food labels can be misleading and the importance of tracking glycemic response.

    The role of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in fine-tuning nutrition choices.

    3 Fruit and the Fear of Fructose

    Debunking the myth that all fructose is bad.

    How the small intestine processes fructose before it reaches the liver.

    The importance of context: different fruits have different effects on blood sugar.

    Recommendations for lower-glycemic fruits, such as berries, for those with insulin resistance.

    4 Olive Oil and Muscle Health

    The role of oleuropein in mitochondrial function and aging muscles.

    How olive leaf extract might help improve muscle metabolism.

    The importance of choosing high-quality olive oil for maximum benefit.

    5 Dairy and Cardiovascular Health

    New research showing that cheese may actually reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

    Why saturated fat in dairy is not necessarily harmful.

    The importance of individual tolerance—some people thrive on dairy, while others find it triggering.

    6 The Carnivore Diet: Is It Right for You?

    Carnivore as an elimination diet rather than a meat-only ideology.

    How some people experience relief from autoimmune and gut health issues by eliminating plant foods.

    Why sustainability and long-term adherence matter more than short-term results.

    Key Takeaways:

    Metabolic health is adaptable: Your body can heal, but patience and consistency are key.

    Fruit isn’t the enemy: Choose fruits wisely based on your metabolic health and glycemic response.

    Whole foods matter: The effects of food go beyond macros—consider nutrient density and processing.

    Individualization is key: Whether it’s carnivore, keto, or Mediterranean, the best diet is the one that works for you.

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    Food Junkies Podcast Ep. 217: Nick Norwitz p1

    Dr. Norwitz, a valedictorian from Dartmouth, PhD in Metabolism from Oxford, and an MD candidate at Harvard Medical School, shares his journey with severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This struggle led him to discover the life-changing power of a ketogenic diet. His transformation inspired his relentless curiosity to challenge outdated medical paradigms and explore cutting-edge research in metabolic health.

    We dive into some groundbreaking topics, including:

    • The Connection Between Food Addiction and Viruses – Could a virus in your gut microbiome be influencing addictive food behaviors?
    • Understanding Lean Mass Hyper Responders – Why do some people see their cholesterol skyrocket on a ketogenic diet?
    • The Role of Individualized Nutrition – How n=1 experimentation can be the key to optimizing metabolic health.
    • Debunking Cholesterol Myths – What’s the truth about dietary cholesterol and heart disease?

    Dr. Norwitz also shares his famous “Oreo Experiment,” in which he lowered his cholesterol by eating Oreos—not as a recommendation but as a fascinating metabolic demonstration that challenges traditional assumptions about fat and carbohydrates.

    This conversation was so insightful and packed with science that we had to make it a two-part episode! Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll discuss dairy, olive oil, carnivore diets, and more.

    Tune in to learn:

    • How Dr. Norwitz turned a devastating health condition into a lifelong passion for metabolic science.
    • The latest research on the gut microbiome and food addiction.
    • Why cholesterol numbers might not mean what you think they do.
    • How to apply scientific curiosity to your health journey.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Bariatric surgery alters the gut-brain axis, leading to changes in both alcohol and sugar sensitivity.
    • Some post-surgical patients are at increased risk for developing AUD due to heightened alcohol absorption and reward pathway changes.
    • Neurobiological and hormonal factors contribute to food cravings and hedonic eating post-surgery.
    • Obesity is often associated with low dopamine levels, and bariatric surgery may help restore dopamine balance, reducing food cravings.
    • Long-term post-surgery weight regain is common, raising questions about sustainable solutions for metabolic disorders.

    Future Directions & Research Needs:

    • Neuroscience of Post-Bariatric Surgery – More studies are needed on brain dopamine changes post-surgery.
    • Longitudinal Studies – Tracking post-surgical patients’ eating behaviors, alcohol consumption, and cravings over time.
    • Behavioral & Psychological Interventions – Combining pharmacology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and digital tools to personalize weight loss and addiction treatment.
    • Preventive Approaches – Identifying high-risk individuals pre-surgery to provide better education and support for long-term success.

    Final Thoughts from Dr. Davis:

    “If I could give my younger self advice, I’d say: Keep an open mind. Science is about asking what if and following the data wherever it leads.”

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    Food Junkies Podcast Ep. 216: Dr. Jon DavisFood

    Dr. Jon Davis

    In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Dr. Jon Davis, a principal investigator on the study Changes in Alcohol Use After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Davis is a principal scientist at Nova Nordisk, where he researches how gut-brain signaling mechanisms regulate appetite and metabolic disorders. His work explores the neurobiological connections between obesity, bariatric surgery, and substance use disorders—examining how bariatric procedures may increase the risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD) through gut microbiome and brain reward pathway alterations.

    The Food Junkies Podcast team is particularly interested in whether similar mechanisms might predispose post-bariatric surgery patients to sugar or food addiction.

    What We Discuss in This Episode:

    Dr. Davis’ Background & Research Journey – From an interest in neuroscience and memory formation to studying brain plasticity, substance use, and ultimately, bariatric surgery.

    Unexpected Discoveries – How interviews with post-bariatric surgery patients and their spouses revealed a pattern of increased alcohol consumption.

    Clinical Findings – Research has consistently shown that some patients who were low consumers of alcohol pre-surgery develop AUD post-surgery, while frequent drinkers pre-surgery may actually reduce their consumption afterward.

    Mechanisms at Play:

    • Gut Rewiring & Alcohol Sensitivity – How changes in gut absorption impact blood alcohol levels.
    • Hormonal Influences – The role of GLP-1 and ghrelin in regulating appetite, alcohol consumption, and cravings.
    • Dopamine & Reward Pathways – The link between obesity, food reward, and neurochemical changes post-surgery.
      *Rodent Models & Sugar Sensitivity – Research demonstrating that bariatric surgery increases rodents’ sensitivity to both alcohol and sugar, potentially explaining post-surgery changes in cravings.
      * Long-Term Outcomes & Weight Regain – Data suggests that 30–50% of bariatric surgery patients regain weight within five years. What are the implications for food addiction recovery?
      * Pharmacological & Surgical Interventions – Comparisons between bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic and Mounjaro) in regulating appetite and cravings.
      * The Debate on Food Addiction – Where the scientific community stands on whether food addiction should be classified as an addiction akin to substance use disorders.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Bariatric surgery alters the gut-brain axis, leading to changes in both alcohol and sugar sensitivity.
    • Some post-surgical patients are at increased risk for developing AUD due to heightened alcohol absorption and reward pathway changes.
    • Neurobiological and hormonal factors contribute to food cravings and hedonic eating post-surgery.
    • Obesity is often associated with low dopamine levels, and bariatric surgery may help restore dopamine balance, reducing food cravings.
    • Long-term post-surgery weight regain is common, raising questions about sustainable solutions for metabolic disorders.

    Future Directions & Research Needs:

    • Neuroscience of Post-Bariatric Surgery – More studies are needed on brain dopamine changes post-surgery.
    • Longitudinal Studies – Tracking post-surgical patients’ eating behaviors, alcohol consumption, and cravings over time.
    • Behavioral & Psychological Interventions – Combining pharmacology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and digital tools to personalize weight loss and addiction treatment.
    • Preventive Approaches – Identifying high-risk individuals pre-surgery to provide better education and support for long-term success.

    Final Thoughts from Dr. Davis:

    “If I could give my younger self advice, I’d say: Keep an open mind. Science is about asking what if and following the data wherever it leads.”

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    Food Junkies Podcast Ep. 215: Clinician’s Corner – Exploring Harm Reduction in Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder

    In this episode, we dive into a hot topic in the world of Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) Use Disorder—Harm Reduction. This concept, widely recognized in substance use recovery, has been largely undefined or misunderstood in the food addiction space. Today, we explore:

    • What is harm reduction?
    • How does it work in food addiction recovery?
    • Who might benefit from harm reduction strategies?
    • Practical ways harm reduction can be applied in real-world recovery

    Key Harm Reduction Principles:

    1 Respect for the Person

    • Compassion over shame: People struggling with UPF addiction deserve respect and understanding—not guilt or judgment.
    • Meeting people where they are: Recovery is personal; some may need to eliminate certain foods, while others focus on reducing harm without complete abstinence.
    • Building trust: Encouraging open, non-judgmental conversations fosters a supportive recovery environment.

    2 Commitment to Evidence

    • Understanding food addiction science: Research shows UPFs hijack the brain’s reward system, leading to compulsive overeating. Harm reduction is based on evidence, not willpower.
    • Using proven strategies: Structured meal planning, protein-rich whole foods, and blood sugar stabilization can help reduce cravings and binge episodes.
    • Medication as a tool: Some individuals benefit from medications like Naltrexone/Bupropion to regulate cravings—similar to medication-assisted treatment for substance use.

    3 Focus on Harms

    • Minimizing the most damaging behaviors: Recovery is not about immediate perfection but reducing harm over time.
    • Shifting food choices: A harm-reduction model may involve replacing binge-triggering UPFs with minimally processed alternatives.
    • Reducing metabolic harm: Eating whole foods first, balancing blood sugar, and prioritizing nutrition can help mitigate UPF-related health consequences.

    4 Recognizing Food Addiction Realities

    • Not everyone can quit UPFs overnight: A phased approach may be more sustainable.
    • UPFs are engineered for addiction: Willpower alone is not enough—practical strategies like structured eating and environmental changes can help.
    • Food as a coping mechanism: Understanding the emotional role of UPFs helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies.

    5 Prioritizing Autonomy

    • Individualized recovery paths: Some people thrive with full abstinence, while others focus on reducing harm in certain settings (e.g., social gatherings).
    • Empowering self-directed choices: Individuals should have the freedom to set their own recovery boundaries and decide which tools work for them.
    • Allowing flexibility: Recovery is not all-or-nothing—setbacks are learning experiences, not failures.

    6 Socio-Cultural Sensitivity

    • Considering food access and affordability: Many people in recovery have financial or geographical barriers to whole foods. Harm reduction respects these realities.
    • Cultural food traditions: Recovery must honor cultural identity while balancing UPF reduction goals.
    • Reducing stigma in marginalized communities: A non-judgmental, compassionate approach is crucial, especially for those with limited resources.
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    Addictions Unplugged, The Power Is Ours