In this episode of Food Junkies Podcast, Molly and Clarissa sit down with clinical psychologist, researcher, and international food addiction advocate Dr. Jen Unwin to unpack a trifecta of groundbreaking developments in the field of Ultra-Processed Food Use Disorder (UPFUD). If you’ve been craving science-backed insight, real recovery stories, and practical hope for the future, this conversation delivers.

Together, we explore:

🧠 Two Major Research Milestones

• The Delphi Consensus Paper, which brings together 40 global experts to define and validate Ultra-Processed Food Addiction as a diagnostic concept
• The 12-Month Outcome Study, which demonstrates remarkable long-term improvements in food addiction symptoms and mental wellbeing across diverse international recovery programs

🌍 The Upcoming International Food Addiction & Comorbidities Conference (IFACC 2025)

Hosted in London this September, this two-day event will bring together clinicians, researchers, and the recovery community to spotlight UPFA’s role in mental health, metabolic illness, trauma, and more.

🗓 This Saturday’s Live Virtual Event – April 26

Don’t miss the Food Relationship Fix hosted by Dr. Tro Kalayjian and team—including talks from Dr. Jen, Dr. Rob Cywes, and more. All proceeds go directly toward supporting IFACC 2025 and furthering food addiction advocacy.

Whether you're a clinician, a coach, someone in recovery, or simply food-addiction-curious, this episode is packed with inspiration, cutting-edge data, and an invitation to step into hope. Dr. Jen’s message is clear: Recovery is not just possible—it’s probable.

🧭 Key Links:
• 🎟 Register for IFACC 2025
• 🎥 Join the Food Relationship Fix virtual event this Saturday (April 26)
• 📄 Read the abstract of the provisionally accepted Delphi Consensus Paper (coming soon!)
• 📄 Read the 12-Month Outcome Study on Food Addiction Recovery

💌Please email questions, concerns, and topics to foodjunkiespodcast@gmail.com

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.

In this extraordinary episode, Food Junkies host Dr. Vera Tarman turns the mic on herself—joined by Swedish trailblazer Bitten Jonsson—for a deeply personal, no-holds-barred conversation on their parallel journeys through food addiction, recovery, and advocacy. With over 60 years of combined experience in addiction medicine, Vera and Bitten walk us through the moments they first recognized their struggles with food and sugar, the evolving science of addiction, and how their professional paths have shaped the global conversation around Ultra-Processed Food Addiction.

💡 What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

• When and how Vera and Bitten each first realized they had a problem with food

• Bitten’s early days applying addiction models to sugar use in Sweden

• Vera’s turning point from bulimia and obsession to scientific clarity

• The evolution of treatment approaches—from restrictive diets to holistic care

• Why the addiction model matters—and how it still faces resistance

• Stories of frustration, discovery, and determination

• The roots of their pioneering programs, books, and diagnostic tools

• What’s next for food addiction science and how professionals can catch up

• And yes, the dogs that helped heal their hearts 🐶

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• “Food addiction” is too broad—refined sugar and flour are the real psychoactive substances

• Early recovery often mimicked diet culture—freedom came through connection and knowledge

• Recovery is not just physical or behavioral—it’s metabolic, neurological, psychological, and spiritual

• Both Vera and Bitten believe we’re at a turning point: a renaissance in food addiction awareness and professional training

🌍 Where Do We Go From Here?
Vera and Bitten envision a future where every doctor, nurse, therapist, and policymaker is trained in recognizing and treating food addiction. They call for compassion, clarity, and connection in how we talk about—and treat—this misunderstood condition.

🐾 And yes, there are dogs. Because sometimes, unconditional love and a wagging tail really can help us stay the course.

🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.
Let’s end the shame—and start the healing.

🌱Transform Within IFS Workshop with Vanessa Kreddler: https://sweetsobriety.newzenler.com/courses/transform-within

💌 Email us at foodjunkiespodcast.com

The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.