The prevalence of food addiction as assessed by the Yale Food Addiction Scale: A systematic review

Abstract

Obesity is a global issue and it has been suggested that an addiction to certain foods could be a factor contributing to overeating and subsequent obesity. Only one tool, the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) has been developed to specifically assess food addiction. This review aimed to determine the prevalence of food addiction diagnosis and symptom scores, as assessed by the YFAS. Published studies to July 2014 were included if they reported the YFAS diagnosis or symptom score and were published in the English language. Twenty-five studies were identified including a total of 196,211 predominantly female, overweight/obese participants (60%). Using meta-analysis, the weighted mean prevalence of YFAS food addiction diagnosis was 19.9%. Food addiction (FA) diagnosis was found to be higher in adults aged >35 years, females, and overweight/obese participants. Additionally, YFAS diagnosis and symptom score was higher in clinical samples compared to non-clinical counterparts. YFAS outcomes were related to a range of other eating behavior measures and anthropometrics. Further research is required to explore YFAS outcomes across a broader spectrum of ages, other types of eating disorders and in conjunction with weight loss interventions to confirm the efficacy of the tool to assess for the presence of FA. OPEN ACCESSNutrients 2014, 6 4553

Deep brain stimulation for obesity: past, present, and future targets

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Editorial - Reducing premature mortality among young and middle-aged adults

“…Hence, we can use these generic risk factors -including prior deliberate self-harm, substance use and severe mental illness -to identify adults at risk for premature mortality, of which several are amenable to intervention, even starting in childhood. 18 It is no coincidence that the increasing prevalence of addiction to hyperpalatable obesogenic foods 20 and the emergence of "globesity" 21 have led many to view obesity as a noncommunicable disease, and one whose major impact on premature mortality has yet to be realized. 22 Those predisposed to food addiction also tend to have higher depression scores, 20 a greater likelihood of having been abused as a child 23 and less access to physical activity facilities, especially in areas with low socioeconomic status and among certain minority groups, 24 including Indigenous children and youth.…”

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