Owari, Y., Miyatake, N., & Suzuki, H. (2019). Relationship between Food Dependence and Nicotine Dependence in Smokers: A Cross-Sectional Study of Staff and Students at Medical Colleges. Medicina (Kaunas), 55(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55050202 From the research article’s abstract: “Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between nicotine dependence and food dependence in smokers. Smoking and obesity are both serious public health problems that give rise to diseases and increased medical expenses. Nicotine dependence is one of the sources of difficulty in smoking cessation, while food dependence is one of the causes of obesity. Materials and Methods: We examined the data of 72 (smoking vs. nonsmoking) and 62 (nicotine dependence vs. no nicotine dependence) subjects among 321 staff and students at medical colleges in Kagawa and Okayama prefectures in Japan. Results: There was a significant difference in food dependence (except women) between the smoking and nonsmoking groups (total: smoking 4.7 ± 6.1, nonsmoking 2.1 ± 2.0, p = 0.0411; men: smoking 4.0 ± 4.7, nonsmoking 2.0 ± 2.1, p = 0.0490).
Validation of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 Among a Bariatric Surgery Population
Clark, S. M., Martens, K., Smith-Mason, C. E., Hamann, A., & Miller-Matero, L. R. (2019). Validation of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 Among a Bariatric Surgery Population. Obes Surg, 29(9), 2923-2928. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-019-03927-z From the validation study’s abstract: “In this sample, 27.3% met criteria for ‘food addiction’ according to the YFAS 2.0. Of those, more than half met criteria for severe food addiction.”
Dopamine and Food Addiction: Lexicon Badly Needed
Salamone JD, Correa M. Dopamine and food addiction: lexicon badly needed. Biol Psychiatry. 2013 May 1;73(9):e15-24. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.09.027. Epub 2012 Nov 22. PMID: 23177385; PMCID: PMC4450088. Disagreement about utility of term FA for increasing prevalence of obesity Study link
The epidemiological burden of obesity in childhood: a worldwide epidemic requiring urgent action
Di Cesare M, Sorić M, Bovet P, et al. The epidemiological burden of obesity in childhood: a worldwide epidemic requiring urgent action. BMC Med. 2019;17(1):212. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-019-1449-8 In recent decades, the prevalence of obesity in children has increased dramatically. This worldwide epidemic has important consequences, including psychiatric, psychological and psychosocial disorders in childhood and increased risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) later in life. Treatment of obesity is difficult and children with excess weight are likely to become adults with obesity. These trends have led member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) to endorse a target of no increase in obesity in childhood by 2025. It is recognised that the key drivers of this epidemic form an obesogenic environment, which includes changing food systems and reduced physical activity. Although cost-effective interventions such as WHO ‘best buys’ have been identified, political will and implementation have so far been limited. There is therefore a need to implement effective programmes and policies in multiple sectors to address overnutrition, undernutrition, mobility and physical activity. To be successful, the obesity epidemic must be a political priority, with these issues addressed both locally and globally. Work by governments, civil society, private corporations and other key stakeholders must be coordinated. 12916_2019_Article_1449 .pdf
Excessive Consumption of Sugar: an Insatiable Drive for Reward
Olszewski, P. K., Wood, E. L., Klockars, A., & Levine, A. S. (2019). Excessive Consumption of Sugar: an Insatiable Drive for Reward. Current Nutrition Reports, 8(2), 120–128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-019-0270-5 From the research article’s abstract: “Purpose of Review: Eating behavior provides energy to ensure proper functioning of the organism. Reward aids in seeking foods that bring energy and pleasant taste, whose consumption is safe. As evidenced by the obesity “epidemic” which largely stems from overeating, reward becomes a detriment when palatable tastants are available in unlimited quantities. This review presents recent evidence on mechanisms underlying palatability-driven excessive consumption of sugar. Recent Findings: Appetite for sugar is propelled by changes in the morphology and activity of the reward system reminiscent of addiction. Sugar intake also shifts the hunger-satiety continuum, facilitating initiation of consumption in the absence of energy needs and maintenance of feeding despite ingestion of large food loads that endanger homeostasis. Summary: Ingestion of excessive amounts of sugar relies on triggering mechanisms that promote addictive-like behaviors, and on overriding neuroendocrine signals that protect internal milieu.”
A Critical Examination of the Practical Implications Derived from the Food Addiction Concept
Meule A. A Critical Examination of the Practical Implications Derived from the Food Addiction Concept. Curr Obes Rep. 2019 Mar;8(1):11-17. doi: 10.1007/s13679-019-0326-2. PMID: 30706243; PMCID: PMC6424934 Purpose of review: Adopting an addiction perspective on eating disorders and obesity may have practical implications for diagnostic classification, prevention, and treatment of these disorders. The present article critically examines these implications derived from the Food Addiction concept.
Validation of the Japanese Version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (J-YFAS 2.0)
Khine, M. T., Ota, A., Gearhardt, A. N., Fujisawa, A., Morita, M., Minagawa, A., Li, Y., Naito, H., & Yatsuya, H. (2019). Validation of the Japanese Version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (J-YFAS 2.0). Nutrients, 11(3), 687. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11030687 From the research article’s abstract: “The Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) is used for assessing food addiction (FA). Our study aimed at validating its Japanese version (J-YFAS 2.0). The subjects included 731 undergraduate students. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated the root-mean-square error of approximation, comparative fit index, Tucker–Lewis index, and standardized root-mean-square residual were 0.065, 0.904, 0.880, and 0.048, respectively, for a one-factor structure model. Kuder–Richardson α was 0.78. Prevalence of the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed mild, moderate, and severe FA was 1.1%, 1.2%, and 1.0%, respectively. High uncontrolled eating and emotional eating scores of the 18-item Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ R-18) (p < 0.001), a high Kessler Psychological Distress Scale score (p < 0.001), frequent desire to overeat (p = 0.007), and frequent snacking (p = 0.003) were associated with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA presence. The scores demonstrated significant correlations with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA symptom count (p < 0.01). The highest attained body mass index was associated with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA symptom count (p = 0.026). The TFEQ R-18 cognitive restraint score was associated with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA presence (p < 0.05) and symptom count (p < 0.001), but not with the J-YFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA severity. Like the YFAS 2.0 in other languages, the J-YFAS 2.0 has a one-factor structure and adequate convergent validity and reliability.”
Validation of the Japanese Version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (J-YFAS 2.0)
Khine, M. T., Ota, A., Gearhardt, A. N., Fujisawa, A., Morita, M., Minagawa, A., Li, Y., Naito, H., & Yatsuya, H. (2019). Validation of the Japanese Version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (J-YFAS 2.0). Nutrients, 11(3), 687. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11030687 From the validation study’s abstract: “The J-YFAS 2.0 has a one-factor structure and adequate convergent validity and reliability. Prevalence of FA was 3.3% among undergraduate students.”
Disordered Eating Among Individuals with Excess Weight: a Review of Recent Research
Nightingale, B. A., & Cassin, S. E. (2019). Disordered Eating Among Individuals with Excess Weight: a Review of Recent Research. Current Obesity Reports, 8(2), 112–127. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-019-00333-5 From the research article’s abstract: “The purpose of this review was to examine different forms of disordered eating among individuals with excess weight, including their rates, correlates, and psychosocial treatments. Binge eating/binge eating disorder, loss of control eating, emotional eating, and food addiction are all fairly prevalent among individuals with excess weight. They appear to share many of the same correlates, including broader eating disorder psychopathology, body/shape/weight concerns, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, and third-wave (e.g., acceptance, mindfulness) therapies appear effective in improving binge eating, loss of control eating, emotional eating, associated features (e.g., weight and shape concerns), and psychological distress (e.g., depression). Certain forms of disordered eating are elevated among individuals with excess weight, and psychosocial interventions have been found effective in improving symptomatology. Empirical research examining the efficacy of treatments for food addiction is lacking, and greatly needed given both its rate and controversy.”
Assessment of food addiction using the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 in individuals with binge-eating disorder symptomatology: Factor structure, psychometric properties, and clinical significance
Linardon, J., & Messer, M. (2019). Assessment of food addiction using the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 in individuals with binge-eating disorder symptomatology: Factor structure, psychometric properties, and clinical significance. Psychiatry Research, 279, 216–221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2019.03.003 From the research article’s abstract: “The Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS) assesses addiction-like eating of palatable foods based on the 11 diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This study was the first to investigate the factor structure, psychometric properties, and clinical significance of the YFAS 2.0 in individuals with binge-eating disorder (BED) symptomatology. Data were analysed from 220 community-based participants who met criteria for “probable BED” based on self-report symptom frequency. Classification of food addiction (FA) was met by 42.3% of the sample. The YFAS 2.0 exhibited a unidimensional structure, adequate internal consistency, and convergent and incremental validity.