Discover our new animated learning series — a fresh, engaging way to explore the science of food and nutrition at your own pace.
This short animation explains why sugar is not considered addictive and how it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
This video delivers clear, evidence-based insights in an engaging, accessible format that makes learning effortless — no nutrition background needed. Start watching now and see how this short animation can change the way you think about food!
Disclaimer: This resource is for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical, clinical or other professional advice. The WSRO is an international, member-based, not-for-profit organisation focused on the science of sugars and health. For more information about its members, please see our Members Directory.
References and further reading:
- Greenberg D, St Peter JV. Sugars and Sweet Taste: Addictive or Rewarding? Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Sep 17;18(18):9791.
- Markus CR, Rogers PJ, Brouns F, Schepers R. Eating dependence and weight gain; no human evidence for a “sugar-addiction” model of overweight. Appetite. 2017 Jul 1;114:64–72.
- Blundell JE, Finlayson G. Food Addiction Not Helpful: The Hedonic Component – Implicit Wanting – Is Important. Addiction. 2011;106(7):1216–8.
- Westwater ML, Fletcher PC, Ziauddeen H. Sugar addiction: the state of the science. Eur J Nutr. 2016 Nov 1;55(2):55–69.
- Benton D. The plausibility of sugar addiction and its role in obesity and eating disorders. Clinical Nutrition. 2010 Jun 1;29(3):288–303.
- NeuroFAST. NeuroFAST consensus opinion on food addiction. 2014; Available from: https://cordis.europa.eu/docs/results/245/245009/final1-consensus.pdf
- Benton D, Young HA. A meta-analysis of the relationship between brain dopamine receptors and obesity: a matter of changes in behavior rather than food addiction? Int J Obes (Lond). 2016 Mar;40 Suppl 1:S12-21.
- Hauck C, Cook B, Ellrott T. Food addiction, eating addiction and eating disorders. Proc Nutr Soc. 2020 Feb;79(1):103–12.
- Rogers PJ. Food and drug addictions: Similarities and differences. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2017 Feb;153:182–90.
- Hebebrand J, Albayrak Ö, Adan R, Antel J, Dieguez C, de Jong J, et al. “Eating addiction”, rather than “food addiction”, better captures addictive-like eating behavior. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2014 Nov 1;47:295–306.
- International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Available from: https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/classification-of-diseases
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington, DC, USA: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2022. ISBN 978-0-89042-575-6
Please get in touch if you have any questions, contact: admin@wsro.org.
