Ashley Gearhardt

Ashley Gearhardt, clinical psychologist and University of Michigan professor who created the Yale Food Addiction Scale, talks about living with addictive relationships to ultra-processed foods. She explores how industrial processing, flavor engineering and tobacco-style techniques boost craving. She explains the scale, which foods are highest risk, and practical, non-judgmental steps people can try.

Ashley Gearhardt, clinical psychologist and professor who developed the Yale Food Addiction Scale, explains how certain foods and food engineering hijack our brains. Short, clear takes on ultra-processed foods, why willpower often fails, how manufacturers boost craving, and practical pointers for sustaining healthier, less driven eating.