Signs your child is addicted to junk food and 8 ways to help them kick the habit

In today’s fast-paced world, junk food is more accessible and enticing than ever, which has led to increased efforts to reduce the promotion of unhealthy food and drink.

While the occasional treat is part of a balanced life, children can sometimes display subtle signs of a deeper, more problematic relationship with unhealthy foods.

Recognising the warning signs early is the first step towards helping your child build a healthier, more balanced diet. Here are some red flags that may indicate a junk-food addiction and some expert advice on what you can do to help.

“One key sign is intense craving beyond hunger,” says Dr Manpreet Dhuffar-Pottiwal, a UK-based chartered psychologist and specialist in behavioural addictions. “So, the child fixates on specific foods – such as crisps or sweets – and becomes distressed if denied access. This is the inability to stop eating junk food even when full, often in secret or past the point of discomfort.”

Dr Manpreet Dhuffar-Pottiwal is a UK-based chartered psychologist and specialist in behavioural addictions. Photo: thedoubledr.com

Irritability, mood swings or headaches when junk food is unavailable is another red flag to look out for.