The article reviews recent advancements in the scientific understanding of ultra-processed food (UPF) addiction, focusing on prevalence rates, health disparities, biological underpinnings, behavioral mechanisms, and implications for weight management. Key findings include: 1. **Prevalence Rates**: The global prevalence of UPF addiction is estimated at 14% in adults and 15% in youths, with higher rates among those with obesity (28% and 19%, respectively). 2. **Health Disparities**: Health disparities are observed for persons of color and those with food insecurity, with higher rates of UPF addiction in these groups. 3. **Biological Underpinnings**: Research shows altered functioning across the brain-gut-microbiome axis, with UPF intake triggering addiction-like responses in the brain and changes in gut microbiota. 4. **Behavioral Mechanisms**: UPF addiction is operationalized using diagnostic criteria adapted from substance-use disorders, with overlapping features such as craving, loss of control, and withdrawal symptoms. 5. **Implications for Weight Management**: UPF addiction is a strong predictor of poorer outcomes in weight management programs, and interventions targeting UPF addiction may improve treatment efficacy. The article highlights the need for targeted interventions to address UPF addiction, particularly in underserved populations, and suggests that further research is needed to develop and validate effective treatments.The article reviews recent advancements in the scientific understanding of ultra-processed food (UPF) addiction, focusing on prevalence rates, health disparities, biological underpinnings, behavioral mechanisms, and implications for weight management. Key findings include: 1. **Prevalence Rates**: The global prevalence of UPF addiction is estimated at 14% in adults and 15% in youths, with higher rates among those with obesity (28% and 19%, respectively). 2. **Health Disparities**: Health disparities are observed for persons of color and those with food insecurity, with higher rates of UPF addiction in these groups. 3. **Biological Underpinnings**: Research shows altered functioning across the brain-gut-microbiome axis, with UPF intake triggering addiction-like responses in the brain and changes in gut microbiota. 4. **Behavioral Mechanisms**: UPF addiction is operationalized using diagnostic criteria adapted from substance-use disorders, with overlapping features such as craving, loss of control, and withdrawal symptoms. 5. **Implications for Weight Management**: UPF addiction is a strong predictor of poorer outcomes in weight management programs, and interventions targeting UPF addiction may improve treatment efficacy. The article highlights the need for targeted interventions to address UPF addiction, particularly in underserved populations, and suggests that further research is needed to develop and validate effective treatments.