Food Addiction and Mental Health (Adult Population)

Food addiction is commonly described as a pattern of compulsive overeating and intense cravings for highly palatable foods, where a person continues to eat in an “addiction-like” way despite negative physical, emotional, or social consequences. It typically involves strong, recurring cravings for specific foods, often those high in sugar, fat, and salt; loss of control over eating, such as eating more than intended or being unable to cut down despite repeated efforts; and continued overeating even when aware of harm (weight gain, health problems, distress), similar to substance use disorders. The Food Addiction and Mental Health Research Category explores the complex interplay between dietary behaviors, neurobiological reward systems, and psychological well-being, highlighting how compulsive eating patterns influence — and are influenced by — mental health conditions. Join the CNP Library Membership to learn more.

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FEATURED CNP RESEARCH SUMMARY

Food addiction and its associations with mental and physical health comorbidities and with quality of life in the general population

This research explores the prevalence and characteristics of Food Addiction (FA) in a representative sample of the Brazilian population, with particular focus on Rio de Janeiro. Conducted from 2019 to 2020, the study surveyed 2297 individuals aged 18 to 60 years using a three-staged sampling method. FA was assessed using the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0), with psychiatric comorbidities evaluated through validated instruments and physical health conditions assessed via closed-ended questions. The findings revealed a prevalence of FA of 2.78% (95% CI: 1.40 to 4.17), notably higher among women (4.08%) than among men (1.39%), and more prevalent among younger individuals. Individuals diagnosed with FA exhibited significantly higher rates of psychiatric symptoms, including depression (75.4%), anxiety (77.0%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (32.7%), and alcohol use disorder (19.7%). Furthermore, the occurrence of eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa, was over ten times more likely in individuals with FA than those without. Additionally, FA was significantly associated with various mental and physical health comorbidities, including diabetes, stroke, asthma, chronic headaches, muscle problems, and gastroesophageal reflux, even after adjusting for Body Mass Index (BMI), sex, and race. The study concluded that while the prevalence of FA in this Brazilian metropolitan area is lower than in other populations, its associations with severe mental and physical health issues and poorer quality of life warrant further investigation. [NPID: Food addiction, psychiatric, depression, eating disorders, anxiety]