Can sweets really become addictive? Imagine a treat so tempting it tugs at your mind, making you crave more even when you know you should stop. Researchers from Poland and Spain have developed the first-ever scientific tool specifically designed to measure behaviors linked to sweet addiction. This groundbreaking study sheds new light on why so many of us find it hard to resist sugary snacks, turning a once-innocent pleasure into a complex emotional struggle.
Developing the first tool to measure sweet addiction
For decades, experts have debated whether people could be truly addicted to certain foods, especially sweets. Now, a team from Rovira i Virgili University in Spain, together with the Food Addiction Research Department at the “Fit Mind” Foundation in Poland, has created a scale solely focused on assessing addiction to sweets. This scale drills down on the unique psychological and emotional patterns that differentiate sweet addiction from general overeating.
The researchers adapted the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS 2.0), a tool initially meant for broader food addiction, customizing it specifically to explore people’s relationships with sugary foods. The goal was to craft a precise instrument that not only measures how much people consume but also explores the obsessive nature of cravings and the emotional roller coaster that often comes with sweet indulgence.
Understanding sweet cravings through addiction criteria
The new scale measures sweet addiction by linking behaviors to the official addiction criteria found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Participants answer questions that assess the intensity of cravings, loss of control over consumption, feelings of guilt or regret, and attempts to cut back or quit that ended in failure. By examining the behavioral, emotional, and cognitive sides of sweet consumption, the tool reveals whether someone is wrestling with an addiction-like relationship.
This approach was rigorously tested by 11 experts in psychology, psychiatry, and clinical nutrition to ensure clarity and scientific accuracy. The researchers collected data from 344 adults in Poland, including details about their sweet consumption, body mass index (BMI), and emotional states such as intense cravings, guilt, or remorse.
The emotional toll and wide impact of sweet addiction
The results were eye-opening. A striking 62 percent of participants self-identified as being addicted to sweets. More than half admitted, either openly or quietly, that they struggled to control their sweet cravings, with roughly one-third reporting that they consumed sweets multiple times daily. Those classified as having severe sweet addiction scored highest on craving intensity, repeated failed attempts to cut down, and feelings of guilt and shame.
The researchers pointed out that this pattern of overconsumption is not simply about physical health risks like obesity or diabetes. Instead, it often roots itself deeply in psychological and emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and poor decision-making when it comes to food. These struggles can further worsen conditions like fatty liver disease and mood disorders, illustrating how sweet addiction affects more than just waistlines.
From personal experience, I’ve seen friends battle with this invisible struggle. One close friend described how sweets became their “comfort” during stressful days, leading to rapid mood swings from temporary relief to crushing guilt. It’s a cycle many can relate to but seldom talk about openly.
The researchers suggest practical tips to lessen dependence on sweets. These include tracking eating habits, noticing emotional triggers, avoiding extreme thoughts like “never eat sweets again,” and creating supportive environments. Seeking help from mental health professionals or nutrition experts can also make a powerful difference for those who notice sugar consumption harming their quality of life or mental health.
How do you feel about sweets in your own life? Have you ever noticed cravings taking over or turning into a daily compulsion? Share your experiences or tips below — your story might help someone else understand their own sweet struggle. If you found this insight valuable, don’t hesitate to share it with friends who might be facing the same challenge.
WOW, I know that processed refined sugar is bad for you, no if and or
buts about it; check this out…I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in
2022. More testing concluded that I had it most my life. It just so happens
that sugar and stress are two big contributors to development of MS. My
whole diet as a child was one food group, SUGAR! as an adult, I just fell
off the wagon for the third time trying to quit sweets. Cigs were easier!
My doctor just informed me that my blood test confirmed I am
pre-diabetic. Wish me luck!