Why You Can’t Stop Eating Sugar And Ultra Processed Foods with Dr Jen Unwin #652

In this compelling three-part episode of 'Feel Better, Live More,' Dr. Rangan Chatterjee sits down with Dr. Jen Unwin, a clinical psychologist and former food addict, to explore the science and personal reality of sugar and ultra-processed food addiction. Drawing on neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and her own transformative journey, Unwin explains how these foods hijack the brain’s reward system in ways similar to alcohol and nicotine, making them profoundly addictive for vulnerable individuals. She argues that recognizing 'ultra-processed food use disorder' as a legitimate condition could revolutionize treatment and access to care. The conversation emphasizes that the modern food environment is deliberately engineered to maximize consumption through the 'bliss point'—a perfect blend of sugar, fat, salt, and crunch—making resistance nearly impossible without structural changes. Unwin introduces the CRAVED screening tool to help identify addictive behaviors and advocates for abstinence over moderation, environmental redesign, and mental contrasting as essential recovery strategies. The episode underscores that overcoming food addiction is not just about diet, but about healing emotional wounds, rebuilding identity, and addressing trauma. The discussion deepens in the second and third segments, highlighting real-world challenges such as unsupportive partners, children’s expectations, and the hidden dangers of so-called 'healthy' processed foods, even within low-carb or keto diets. Unwin stresses the importance of removing trigger foods from the home, using tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for personalized feedback, and involving families in healthy cooking to build lifelong habits. She shares inspiring stories of patients in their 60s and 70s who regained energy, mental clarity, and vitality after eliminating sugar and processed foods. Dr. Chatterjee reinforces the power of teaching what you learn, encouraging listeners to apply one insight and share another. The episode closes with a powerful message of hope: it’s never too late to change, and small, consistent actions can lead to profound transformation in physical, mental, and emotional well-being.