The Kick Sugar Coach Podcast
Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson: Why Some Foods Are Harder to Quit Than Cocaine
Mar 27, 2025
Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD, is an expert in ultra-processed food addiction and the founder of Bright Line Eating. In this enlightening conversation, she explains why some foods can be more addictive than cocaine, highlighting recent international efforts to recognize food addiction. Thompson's research showcases the success of her program, with participants achieving notable weight loss while navigating their relationship with food. She emphasizes the need for community support and funding for clinical research to tackle this pressing public health issue.
49:25
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Quick takeaways
- Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson highlights the emerging recognition of ultra-processed food addiction as a distinct category necessitating targeted treatment strategies and policy changes.
- The Bright Line Eating program demonstrates effective recovery from ultra-processed food addiction, achieving sustained weight loss and establishing healthy eating habits through clear boundaries and support.
Deep dives
Understanding Ultra-Processed Food Addiction
The distinction of ultra-processed food addiction is explored, emphasizing its differences from other eating disorders. An international collaboration among experts led to a consensus on defining this addiction, which focuses on specific addictive foods like sugary, fried, and processed foods. The experts argue that not all foods are equally addictive and that recognizing ultra-processed food as a distinct category can help in formulating targeted policies and interventions. This clarity aims to empower recovery strategies and provide a framework for addiction treatment, underscoring the need for specific terminologies in addressing this modern affliction.
