People now in their 50s and 60s were the first generation to grow up when ultra-processed foods – often high in fats, salt and added sugar – became widely available.

New research shows that this segment of the population, which mostly includes Generation X, exhibit signs of addiction to ultra-processed food products including fast food, soda and sweets. The study, published Monday in the journal Addiction , has implications for public health, because many children are now exposed to ultra-processed food from a very young age. MORE: Philly's recovery housing complex now offers residents on-site addiction treatment medications

"If current trends continue, future generations may show even higher rates of ultra-processed food addiction later in life," said the study's senior author,

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