Nutrition-Mental Health Survey 2026
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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.

RESEARCH SUMMARIES

2020

Low carbohydrate ketogenic therapy as a metabolic treatment for binge eating and ultraprocessed food addiction

CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership

2020

Brain–gut–microbiome interactions in obesity and food addiction

2018

Development of the highly processed food withdrawal scale

2018

What Is the evidence for “food addiction?” A systematic review

CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership

2021

Food addiction and psychiatric comorbidities: a review of current evidence

2019

Food cue reactivity in food addiction: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study

CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership

2015

Foods and dietary profiles associated with ‘food addiction’ in young adults

2013

Adaptations in brain reward circuitry underlie palatable food cravings and anxiety induced by high-fat diet withdrawal

CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership

2017

Incorporating food addiction into disordered eating: the disordered eating food addiction nutrition guide (DEFANG)