Missed signals: How PET imaging may fail to capture the addictive potential of ultra-processed foods.

Avena, Nicole M; Gold, Mark S; Gearhardt, Ashley N · Cell Metab · 2025

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

Avena et al. argue that methodological limitations in PET imaging and study design led to underestimating the addictive potential of ultra-processed foods, which-like nicotine or alcohol-may trigger dopamine responses not easily detected by PET scans.

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