Children who consume more ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may have stronger brain responses to tempting foods, potentially helping explain why these products are associated with weight gain. A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that children who ate more of these foods showed heightened activity in the brain's reward system when looking at pictures of appetizing foods. Those stronger responses were also associated with increases in body fat over the following year.

Ultra-processed foods include many everyday products, such as breakfast cereals, packaged bread, and instant soups. They are manufactured to be appealing, convenient, and able to remain fresh for extended periods. Many contain artificial sweeteners, coloring agents, and other ingredients rarely used in home cooking.…